The Perfect Mom

I am not a New Years’ resolution type of person, but I did walk into 2020 with a few. One of which was all about my son.

I have noticed that my five-year-old son is naturally on his best behavior while working with his hands. Creating a complicated and extensive craft is an outlet that allows him to thrive. So, in 2020, I set out on a goal to prepare at least one major craft for him to complete every week—which is a pretty audacious goal for a mom who also works full time!

I’m pretty sure I failed by January 7.

Fast forward to quarantine and I find myself at home with my energetic, talkative, strong-willed five-year-old son 24/7. After a week of chaos, I knew he needed more structure for both of us to thrive during this time. I sat down with him and we created a daily schedule together. Nothing too stringent, but just enough structure to keep his attention throughout the day.

There is one thing I am so thankful I added to his daily routine: Craft Time.

I went from a weekly goal to a daily goal. It honestly seemed like I was setting myself up for failure on this one! But, in reality, he thrived and it was a huge success!

What made it successful this time? I let go of my perfectionist ways.
Instead of creating a Pinterest-worthy and elaborate craft time for him, I gave him supplies and allowed his imagination to run wild. The results have been incredible! I couldn’t have come up with the stuff he has created if I tried!

He has done an extensive craft almost every single day in quarantine, but I haven’t helped one bit.

The lesson I have learned during this extra time with my kids is that perfection does not equal thriving. In fact, perfectionism leads to paralysis.

I am not a perfect mom, and that is a good thing! A perfect mom would have never had the chance to see the amazing things my son has created over the past few weeks!

Let me say it a little louder: I am not a perfect mom, and that is a good thing. As a mom, I need God’s grace and mercy daily.

Our parenting journey in the midst of quarantine is something that has never been done to this scale before, so give yourself grace.

Grace to fail.
Grace to thrive in imperfection.
Grace to keep moving forward.

Lamentations 3:23 says, “God’s mercies are new every morning.“

If you failed yesterday, there is mercy for today.
If perfectionism paralyzed you yesterday, there is mercy for today.
If you missed the mark yesterday, don’t let it keep you from thriving today.

If you’re not a perfect mom, that is a good thing. Get up, press on, and let go of any perfectionism that may stand in your way.

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