I get the feeling that there are a lot of moms and dads out there that feel theyre not measuring up. Ok, next question. What measure are they using to figure out whether they make the grade and is that measure fair? Or are we being judged by some over zealous perfectionists whove never held a screaming bundle in their arms to save their life and if they did, wouldnt have the first clue what to do with it. I dont know about you, but every time I see some family sit com with the perfect family all coming out with the perfect joke, laughing happily for the prescribed time, I want to strangle the sanctimonious twit who put it on the air. Ok, so its not entirely our tv executives fault as they are simply reflecting the society that we want to believe we live in.

But the society they portray doesnt exist and whats more, the fact that it doesnt is a good thing. Just imagine how boring it would be if we were all perfect. People are human. We do get cranky when were woken up several times a night. We have great days and bad days. When the frustration builds you either let it out or it eats away at you from the inside. The key as with everything is to keep trying and when you fail, as you will and probably often, apologize to those youve affected and move on. Whats more give yourself a break!

The idea of perfect parenting is extremely harmful. Obviously that doesnt mean that you go to the opposite extreme but next time you hear some parenting expert rattle on about how damaging getting cross with your kids is, imagine him or her at home, having a good rant while their teenager has a tantrum, the dinner is burning and the dog just threw up on the carpet because that, or something like, it is likely the reality.

What a silly word dysfunctional is because in someways we are all dysfunctional. I, for instance, drive my car to the exercise club when its less than a kilometer away. How nutty is that? I would tell you its because I dont have time and there are too many things going on for me to take the time. However, the reality is that the trip is uphill....all the way and Im just too darned lazy. So whether you lose it with the kids because your toddler insisted on clearing out the grocery store candy aisle single-handedly or youre on a diet but secretly snuffle maple fudge when no ones looking, I want all of us out there to breathe easier because let me tell you if you knew what your neighbors were doing, youd think you were normal or is that abnormal?.....I give up!

About the Author

Annie the Nanny provides advice and techniques via her website to empower parents and help them with behavior issues. Trained and experienced, she helps parents by showing them the keys to bringing up happy, confident and well behaved children. Banish whining, bedtime battles or other challenging behaviors. Visit http://www.anniethenanny.ca for lots of free information, fun articles, podcast, plus get your parenting questions answered for free!