You may have read an article here at Guidepost Parent about the misconception of “perfection” in the Montessori classroom. The article clarifies that Montessori does not seek perfection of the human; rather, it is about striving for a perfect environment — “an ideal that children come to depend on.”

This disclosure is a breath of fresh air to me. Although I do work hard to give my children consistency, respect and patience — an ideal environment to me — I am reminded that perfection of myself or of my children should never be the expectation.

That being said, I think we’ve all been there anyway. The moments where we push ourselves or our families to achieve “perfect.” We want the perfect weekend, the perfect birthday party or the perfect relationship between parent and child. But that gets me nowhere other than exhausted, and it only brings upon my family unneeded stress and pressure.

It’s not necessary, and you know what sounds better than perfect? Happy.

As parents, we all think we have an audience. We assume someone is watching us somewhere, judging our decisions or how our children grow. But we all know the only audience paying enough attention is our own self, never feeling good enough. So instead of perfect, why not just happy? Why not look into our homes and our relationships and our time with our children and ask, “Well, are we happy?”

Are we at least focusing on the good?

The Guidepost Parent community is a reminder to do just that. When I focus on positive reinforcements for my children and practice a positive attitude toward others and myself, the need for perfection matters less. I see my imperfect self, I see our imperfect moments, but I know this to be sure: “Yes. We are healthy, we are together, and we are happy.”

That sounds perfect to me.

About the Author

Angela Tewalt is a writer, storyteller and mother to two boys. She shares parenting stories and Montessori inspiration in Guidepost Parent.

Recommended for you: