There are thousands and thousands of articles on Pinterest about parenting. I’ve written a couple! But there’s one thing they aren’t telling you about parenting. So I’m here to tell you.

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You are doing a good job.

Yes, you. You’re awesome. You’re a great mom (or dad) and you’re doing a fantastic job with your mini person/people. Look at you! You’re on Pinterest looking up activities, recipes, and other general tips and parenting articles to make your family’s life better. GO YOU.

I don’t care if you’re reading this on your phone while your toddler is eating Cheerios off of the floor. You’re great.

I don’t care if you’re covered in spit-up and on day 4 of the same pair of leggings. You’re amazing.

I don’t care if you just yelled at your kid for spilling something all over the floor for the third time today. You’re human and you’re doing fine.

I don’t care if you plopped your kid in front of the TV for the last 3 hours because you just need some time to yourself. You deserve it.

I don’t care if you don’t feel sad about dropping your kid off at daycare because it feels like freedom. You are allowed to feel that way.

Being a mom is hard.

Like really hard. You’ve suddenly got the needs of a tiny helpless person to attend to (usually before your own needs). Even when they get older, they still rely on you for pretty much everything. My 19-year-old sister would’ve left on vacation without her glasses if our mom didn’t check her suitcase before she left.

You also have to make big decisions like should you stay home or go back to work? It affects the whole family. That’s hard.

Don’t compare yourself to anyone else.

No one is perfect. Not even all of those moms on Instagram or Pinterest. If you can pull off any DIY or activity on Pinterest, you’re a superhero. I’ve tried several and they end up subpar.

Even the parenting articles on Pinterest are not a one size fit all. They may not work for you. You don’t have a to be a crunchy mama if that’s not you. Be a nerdy mom if that’s who you are. You don’t have to feed your kid kale and you can let them watch The Wiggles. Or don’t. Whatever! Your kid will still be smart even if you don’t follow Charlotte Mason or Montessori or whatever. You can teach your kids shapes, letters, and numbers in your own way. If you love Charlotte Mason, then go you! You’re teaching your kid the best way you know how!

Don’t follow advice that you don’t think is right for your kid.

That’s the scary thing about being a mom. You make decisions about your kid’s life to the best of your knowledge and judgment. That sounds crazy, right? You’re probably thinking “I’m still a child! Who gave me a child to be in charge of?” I’m almost 30, and I feel like a teen mom. I’m still trying to figure out how to adult and now I have to keep a toddler alive!

You can still read parenting articles and tips.

Just don’t take them as the gospel truth or a requirement for being The Perfect Mom. You already are perfect in your child’s eyes.*

*Unless your child is a teenager. Then everything you’re doing is wrong, and I can’t help you with that.

The point is: You’re trying.

You’re making an effort to be a good parent. That’s really all any kid can ask for. You’re doing a good job. You’re awesome, and your kid is lucky to have you.

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