The value of admitting to yourself that you do not like aspects of your child, or wish they were different in some way, is that this acceptance paves the way to less resistance to your truth. Resisting less then opens you up to addressing an uncomfortable truth in healthier ways, all in service of a healthier relationship with your child. How many of our kids have breezily announced they wish they had a different mom? They are allowed to wish we are different, express it, and move on.

If you practice acceptance of yourself as a real (not ideal) parent, stop judging negative thoughts and feelings as indicators you are a “bad parent,” if you embrace your humanity as a parent, you are the “good enough” parent your children need. Now you just need to accept it.