Reading · ✨ You are Magic! ✨

I’ve said this before and will say it 550 more times this year, I am TERRIBLE at all sorts of parenting life.

I’m not much of a cook, although getting better, but then last night had to throw out an entire salmon because I somehow managed to both undercook and burn it at the same time and then white juice came out?!?!? So, overall, not great at cooking.
We are chaotic. I try to have systems that we then forget to implement so there’s a lot of last minute running around and screaming.
And strangely, I’m also a clean freak. So, that’s a fun combo…
I’m controlling. I’m learning I use control to keep anxiety and worry at bay, but also the world would just work better if everyone did what I said and why will no one listen to me?!?!?!
I hate laundry. Like with a burning passion. My kids have learned to either do their own or wear mismatched outfits.

But, I am AMAZING at other parts. Like so good, I probably deserve automatic Knighthood.

And that’s how it’s supposed to be!

I’m not sure where we got this idea that, in order to be a capable parent, we need to score an A+ in every category. NOOOOOOOO.

Pick a couple of things that you’re good at and let the rest go or hand them off to someone else or pay someone to do them. And then lean HARD into the stuff that you’re good at.

One of my super strengths is birthdays and holidays.

And since today is my daughter’s birthday, you know what I spent all morning doing? Writing and then rehearsing a parody of “Bad Idea, Right?” by Olivia Rodrigo. 🎉

There was back and forth with Claude (who frankly sucked), then a frenetic, inspired songwriting session (I’m a genius!), then an hour worth of rehearsal (why did I pick such a fast song and when are you supposed to breathe?!?!). We still have dance steps to master at our afternoon dress rehearsal, plus I have no idea what anyone is wearing for costumes!!

Sure, this seems like a lot of work for an audience of one, but THIS IS IMPORTANT WORK.

Going all-in on the places we excel IS the point.

I’m going to create a killer memory of terrible singing, mediocre dancing, and love bombing out the wazoo, so why in the world would I worry about the fact that my salmon is leaky?

The same works for you.

👉 Maybe you’re a fantastic cook and your delicious, thoughtful meals make everyone feel loved (and strong and healthy!). Include your kiddo and you’ve got a double whammy.

👉 Maybe you never miss car pool because that’s where your kiddo shares their favorite songs and occasional gossip from school.

👉 Maybe you love to watch your kiddo’s lacrosse games so you work your schedule to cheer them on every week.

👉 Maybe you’re great at teaching structure and organization so your kids know what spaciousness feels like in their bones.

👉 Maybe you’re a whiz with homework and can teach your kids to think in new ways.

👉 Maybe you love board games so every Friday night, you bond over Parcheezi.

👉 Maybe you’re great at playing guitar so you teach your kiddo a bunch of chords that’ll get them major props later in life.

👉 Or maybe you love music so you listen to albums together.

👉 Maybe you’re a great listener so your kids feel seen and valued.

👉 Maybe you’re a laundry genius and your kids always look fire.

All of these count!

Because - and this is the point! - there are things that only YOU can do. Things that your kids will look back on and think - I’m so glad I had my particular mom / dad, otherwise I’d never have known how to do this!

So, quit giving yourself a hard time about what’s not easy for you and start celebrating the ways where you show up as your best self as a parent, okay?

And, tell me in the comments - where is one place you could double down because IT’S EASY AND FUN for you?

Read this if you feel like you're a sucky parent sometimes

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