The Parenting Trifecta: Acceptance, Freedom, and Confidence

Parenting is a wild, beautiful ride. But let’s be honest—sometimes, it feels like being thrown into a rollercoaster without a seatbelt, hoping you don’t fall out while juggling sippy cups and snack bags. And while every parent’s journey is unique, I’ve noticed a theme: most of us are chasing three big things—acceptance, freedom, and confidence.

I’ll be the first to admit I struggle with all three. Some days, I feel like a parenting rockstar, handling meltdowns like a pro and serving semi-nutritious meals (yes, chicken nuggets count). Other days, I’m googling “Is it okay to let my kids trash my living room when I haven’t slept in two years?” But over time, I’ve realized these hurdles aren’t just mine—they’re universal.

Here’s how I’m learning to tackle them, one imperfect day at a time.

Acceptance: Learning to Make Peace with the Mess

We all make mistakes. I’ve forgotten diaper bags, bribed my toddler with screen time, and served cereal for dinner more times than I’d like to admit. And while I know in my head that it’s okay to mess up, my heart doesn’t always get the memo.

But we are human. We are going to mess up, lose our patience, or feel completely clueless sometimes. What I’m learning is that acceptance isn’t about lowering the bar—it’s about embracing our humanity. It’s saying, “I did my best today, and that’s enough.”

For me, this looks like a nightly check-in. After the kids are asleep (and I’ve finally sat down), I take a moment to reflect. Did I lose my temper? Sure. But did I also hug them extra tight before bed? Yes. And that counts.

Acceptance is realizing that our kids don’t need perfect parents—they need present ones. And showing up, even when it’s messy, matters more than anything.

Freedom: Escaping the Pressure to Be Perfect

Raise your hand if you’ve ever felt suffocated by all the things. The Insta-perfect birthday parties. The organic, sugar-free snacks. The endless “rules” about screen time, milestones, and Montessori toys.

It’s exhausting.

But here’s what I’ve started telling myself: parenting doesn’t have to look a certain way to be good. The freedom to parent without the pressure comes from realizing there is no “right” way to raise a child—only the way that works for your family.

For me, freedom means unapologetically ignoring the noise. My kids don’t care if their lunches are shaped like animals or if their birthday cake is store-bought. What they care about is whether I’m there—playing with them, listening to them, laughing with them.

So, I’m learning to let go. Of the pressure. Of the guilt. Of the idea that I need to do it all. Because I don’t. And neither do you.

Confidence: Trusting That You’ve Got This

Do you ever have those moments when you wonder, Am I even doing this right? Spoiler alert: you probably are.

Confidence as a parent doesn’t mean you always know the answers. (Google exists for a reason.) It means trusting that you love your kids enough to figure it out as you go. It’s reminding yourself that you don’t have to be perfect to raise happy, healthy humans.

For me, confidence comes from focusing on the big picture. Are my kids loved? Safe? Fed? (Even if it’s cereal again?) Then I’m doing okay.

And when I doubt myself, I try to remember all the little wins. The way my toddler says, “I want huggy, mommy,” even after I've made a mistake. The way my baby giggles and lights up my world when I play pee-a-boo. These moments remind me that I’m enough—just as I am.

Let’s Keep It Real

Acceptance, freedom, and confidence aren’t things you achieve once and then magically master. They’re ongoing. Some days, I nail it. Other days, I don’t. And that’s okay.

If you’re reading this, I want you to know you’re not alone. You’re doing better than you think. Your kids love you, not because you’re perfect, but because you’re you.

So, here’s to all of us—messy, imperfect, wonderful parents—showing up, loving hard, and doing our best every day. Because in the end, that’s what really matters.

And if all else fails, cereal for dinner is totally acceptable.