The Secret Letting Go of Guilt and Growing as a Parent: The Power of Imperfection

Ever feel like your last nerve is about to snap?

losing it

Parenting is hard. Toddlers are interesting. It can make life messy, overwhelming, and downright frustrating at times.

As much as we dream of those perfect moments, let’s be real—sometimes we lose it. We yell, get frustrated, or need a break.

And guess what? That’s okay. We’re human.

But here's the thing: parenting isn’t about being perfect. It's about recovery. It's about bouncing back with grace, letting go of guilt, and showing up as our best selves—imperfect, messy, and all.

Losing Your Cool Is Okay

Yes, you read that right. Losing your cool happens. We all have those moments. The trick isn’t in never messing up; it’s in how we recover after we do. Instead of holding on to guilt, embrace imperfection and move forward.

When we let go of guilt, we create space for peace—not just for ourselves, but for our kids as well. So, the next time you yell or get frustrated, take a breath, own it, and get back on track. That’s real parenting.

Self-Compassion is Key

Let’s face it, we’re our own toughest critics. But instead of beating yourself up when you lose it, practice self-compassion instead. Remind yourself: You’re doing your best. Every mom gets frustrated—every parent has moments they wish they could take back.

What matters is how you handle those moments. Did you take a deep breath? Did you apologize if necessary? Did you learn from the experience? That’s what counts. And that’s how we model healthy emotional regulation for our kids.

Modeling Imperfection for Our Kids

This is where it gets powerful. When we show our kids that it’s okay to make mistakes, we teach them resilience. Kids need to see that mistakes aren’t something to fear—they’re an opportunity to grow, learn, and get better.

By embracing imperfection, we show them how to bounce back, how to repair relationships, and how to keep trying, even when things don’t go as planned. That’s the real gift we can give our children: the ability to approach challenges with a growth mindset, knowing that they don’t have to be perfect to be loved or successful.

But How? (Inquiring minds want to know!)

• Acknowledge your feelings: Don’t ignore your emotions. Feel them, but don’t let them control you. (Isn't this what we want our wee ones to learn?)

• Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.

• Learn from your mistakes: Every mistake is an opportunity to learn. Use it to grow and do better next time.

• Model growth: Show your kids that making mistakes is a part of life, and what really matters is how we handle them.

  
  

You’re Not Alone

Parenting is tough, and none of us have it all figured out. So, let go of the guilt. Embrace your imperfections. Let go of the idea that you have to be perfect and start showing up as the real, beautiful, messy human that you are.

If you’ve ever lost your cool and bounced back, I want to hear about it! Leave a comment and share your story. How did you recover from a frustrating moment? You’re not alone in this journey—we’re all in it together.

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For those of you who don't know me (and for those of you who do - this still holds true 🙃):

I’m Mary, a mom of four and grandma of two, with over 40 years of experience as a former master early childhood teacher-turned-parenting coach. I help moms navigate the chaos of toddlerhood with confidence, calm, and real-life tools—no perfection required.

Here are some ways I can help you:

1 Parenting Power Hour – Need quick solutions for a challenging moment? Book a 60-minute session with me and walk away with an actionable plan to get back on track.

2 Toddler SOS™ Toolkit – Struggling with meltdowns, picky eating, or bedtime battles? This toolkit has practical, real-life tools to turn chaos into calm.

3 Parenting Workshops – Join my live workshops where we tackle common toddler struggles and offer actionable strategies for peace and connection.

4 Private Coaching – If you want personalized support, I offer one-on-one coaching to help you navigate parenting challenges and create a calmer home.