5. I try to be the perfect parent and then burn out
The kids make it to school on time. You cook healthy meals each night. You help with homework. Keep a neat home. You are the queen of positivity. Some parents try to do it all themselves but, without help or a chance to decompress, being “super-mom or dad” may result in a frustrated, stressed-out parent. But no one can do it all on their own! Add in a deployment parents, or a move or two or three, and perfection may turn to desperation and frustration.
…What you want to teach your kids is balance, and the best way to do that is to find your own. Evaluate what is truly important to you as a family and start prioritizing. If you find the list is still overwhelming, figure out how you can get help or eliminate more items.
You will never be a perfect parent. But life doesn’t have to be perfect to be beautiful! In fact, some of your best moments may be ones in the middle of the chaos of your military life. Remember: what you label a “mistake” today may be an opportunity for tomorrow. You’ve got this! We believe in you! And so do your kids.
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