So much of parenting advice — whether it is Instagram, articles, or books — comes from a deficiency mindset. It starts with "here's a problem, here's what you are doing wrong." And I want to pause on that for a second and ask something different: what are you doing well? Where have you made specific changes that are genuinely adapted to the needs of your family? Where are you showing up in a way you feel good about?
There will always be things to improve — ways to build capacity, ways to sharpen clarity, ways to grow your composure. But if we are not careful, we turn parenting into a stick to beat ourselves with.
So this week, take a moment. Look back over the last five years and ask: where have I grown as a parent? Where have I changed? I would bet there are things you have grown into that you feel genuinely proud of. And that matters.
What is one thing you are really proud of as a parent?
Before you go to bed this week, instead of just running through where the day went wrong, also ask yourself one thing: where did it go well?
You are a unique parent with unique children in a unique situation. What works for me may not work for you. Take what lands. Discard the rest.
I hope you have a steadier Sunday.
JoeOne thought, one question, one small shift — in your inbox every Sunday morning.