By SheelaR

Just watched this panel discussion on social media about the parenting journey of a particular social media character—it really got me to reflect on we talk about parenting in general. It’s always fascinating to see how these conversations evolve, especially when people start chiming in with their own stories. It’s like a patchwork of different experiences, each adding a unique shade to the discussion.

But there was one moment that really stuck with me. One of the panelists confidently declared that over a 17-year span of raising her children, she never made any mistakes. I have to say, that statement really rubbed me the wrong way. It got under my skin in a way that’s hard to describe. I mean, come on! We’re all human here, right? The notion that a parent could go nearly two decades without making even a single mistake seems unrealistic and almost sets an impossibly high standard for everyone else.

Let’s be real: even the best of parents make mistakes. It’s part of the gig! Whether it’s misjudging a situation, overreacting to a messy room, or simply not having the patience to deal with the incessant questions that come from little ones, mistakes are inevitable. And honestly, I think they’re a crucial part of the journey. They’re learning moments—not just for the kids, but for parents too.

Sure, not all mistakes are life-altering or egregious. Some of them are just the minor hiccups of daily life, like forgetting lunch or accidentally mixing up the playdates. They could be laughed about later, but they still culturally shape us. They give us the opportunity to show our kids that it’s okay to mess up and that what truly matters is how we handle it. A parent who falters is teaching resilience in their own way. Real parenting is messy and unpredictable, and that’s where the beauty lies.

It’s interesting how the panelists’ experiences differ so widely. I heard some folks sharing stories about the tough choices they made while raising their kids—decisions that seemed monumental at the time but turned out to have a minor impact on their children’s futures. And then there were others reminiscing about those small moments of triumph, like getting a kid to eat vegetables or finally understanding why kids nap at the most inconvenient times. Then you have the ones who reveal harder truths—those moments where they really wish they could hit the rewind button.

These personal stories brought so much depth to the conversation, much more than a singular achievement of “never making a mistake” ever could. After all, those “mistakes” aren’t just missteps; they’re experiences that create character in children and shape who they become. Mistakes lead to crucial conversations. They prompt teachable moments that can’t be found in a parenting manual.

I realized that we often focus on highlight reels in parenting, especially in the age of social media. Parents tend to post their proudest moments, leaving out those inevitable face-palm experiences that all parents go through. That’s why it struck me as particularly odd when one person claimed to have had such a flawless journey. It’s encouraging to hear others’ stories of growth, vulnerability, and authenticity instead of this unrealistic pedestal of perfection.

At the end of the day, I’d rather surround myself with parents who are real about their experiences—those who share the laughs and the struggles, acknowledging that parenting is not about perfection but about connection. It’s in those discussions, reflecting on our various paths, that we find community and support.

So, to all the parents out there navigating this messy yet beautiful journey, remember: nobody is perfect, and that’s completely okay. Each mistake is just a step along the way, a lesson learned, and a chance to grow together with our kids. Let’s keep the conversation going and embrace the reality of parenting—the good, the bad, and everything in between.