scribblechic

The other day, as I faced my fear of confrontation, I watched another mother face fears of judgment. Her child had done something unkind, it was a singular mistake I felt needed to be addressed.  The other mother apologized then added, he’s a good kid.  

I would expect most of us have wanted to explain away poor behavior, defend our child, extol their virtues.  Something deeper resonated within me; a fear of not being good enough.

I wish we could dismantle labels.  The weight of carrying them everywhere is exhausting.  Good wife, good mother, good housekeeper, good cook.  Good grief!  I wonder if the burden of similar labels suffocates our children from taking chances and risking failure to experience joy.  What lessons do our children escape when they lose the opportunity to learn from mistakes? At what price must our children be good?

None of this is an excuse for unkind behavior. Just a series of thoughts that have accompanied me through the day. My heart rests on this thought,I wonder if sometimes it is enough to embrace the day and risk imperfection for the richness of experience.  What is the defining difference between good and good enough?

Tagged: Children, Labels