Let Go of Perfect Parenting

Your Child Isn’t Broken—They’re Growing

Children’s behavior can be confusing. We know it's communicating something—but understanding what it’s saying? That’s where the real challenge begins.

Add to that the unsolicited advice from family, the side-eyes from strangers in public, and your own emotional reaction as a parent… it can all feel incredibly overwhelming. In those moments, we often slip into the mindset of:

“How do I make this stop?”

But what if the behavior isn’t a problem to fix?

What If It’s Developmentally Normal?

Let’s look at some examples:

• A baby cries—for food, comfort, or closeness.
• A toddler throws a toy, unable to control impulse.
• A curious child "zones out" while exploring.
• A preschooler melts down under the weight of big emotions.

These aren’t bad behaviors. These are age-appropriate behaviors.

The problem isn’t the child—it’s often our expectations.

Trying to “fix” what’s actually normal for a developing brain leads to frustration—for both the child and the parent. Instead, what if we paused and turned inward?

Ask Yourself:

• What am I feeling in my body right now?
• What emotion is being triggered in me?
• How was I treated when I behaved this way as a child?
• What messages have I internalized about “good” behavior?
• Do I feel emotionally safe right now?
• Am I getting the support I need to care for this child?

This kind of self-reflection opens the door to compassion—for your child and for yourself.

Your Child Isn’t a Project—They’re a Person

When we step back and reflect, we begin to see our children differently.
Not as problems to solve, but as little humans who are still learning how to be in this big, overwhelming world. They don’t need us to be perfect. They need us to be present, curious, and kind.

So take a breath. The next time your child’s behavior sets off an alarm inside you, try asking:

“What is this moment asking of me?”

You don’t need to strive for perfect parenting.
You just need to stay open to learning—together.

Coach Benjamin Mizrahi. Educator. Learning Specialist. Family Coach. Father. Husband.   

More articles on www.MrMizrahi.blog