By Melissa Meyer, DNP, PMHNP

Let me start with something simple—but important:

You are not failing.

In fact… you’re probably doing a lot better than you think.

Now, before your brain starts throwing back all the things you forgot today (like the permission slip, or the laundry still in the washer from Tuesday), take a breath.

A deep one.
Like a unicorn breath.
Or a “just survived bedtime with only two meltdowns” breath.

Now exhale. Because in this moment, I want you to know this blog isn’t here to give you more to do. It’s here to take some weight off. To remind you that in the middle of the chaos, the sticky fingers, the emotional eruptions, and the late-night Googling of “Is this normal?”—you are showing up.

And that matters more than you know.

🌱 Let’s Redefine “Good Parenting”

Somewhere along the way, parenting became this pressure cooker of perfect schedules, gluten-free snacks, screen-time guilt, and Montessori toy comparisons on Instagram.

But here’s the truth: children don’t need perfect. They need present.

They need your:

• Eye contact, even if it’s just while buckling them into the car seat.

• Arms, even if they’re tired and full of groceries.

• Voice, even if it cracks when you say, “I’m here.”

“Good parenting” isn’t about being the calmest, craftiest, or cleanest. It’s about showing up, loving hard, and trying again—even on the messy days. Especially on the messy days.

🌈 What Your Child Notices (Hint: It’s Not the Dust Bunnies)

You might worry that you raised your voice today. Or that dinner was microwaved, again. Or that your child doesn’t have enough friends. Or that you said “No” too much. Or not enough.

But here’s what your child actually sees:

• That you came back into the room after the tears.

• That you kissed them goodnight even when you were touched out and tired.

• That you tried.

• That you loved.

They see your effort.
Even if they don’t have the words for it yet.

And when they’re older, they won’t remember whether their lunches were cut into star shapes. They’ll remember how you made them feel safe. How you made them laugh. How you sat with them when they felt scared or sad or mad.

They’ll remember your love—not your to-do list.

💌 A Message for the “Am I Enough?” Days

If no one has told you lately:
You’re allowed to cry in the pantry.
You’re allowed to need space.
You’re allowed to not love every second.

Loving your child deeply doesn’t mean you love parenting all the time.

It’s okay to say, “This is hard.”
It’s okay to ask for help.
It’s okay to not have all the answers.

You’re not alone in feeling stretched thin or worried that you’re not getting it right. The truth is, most parents feel like they’re winging it at least 47% of the time. (I made that number up, but it feels true, right?)

The real magic happens not in getting it all right—but in repairing what goes sideways. When you come back after losing your temper and say, “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled. I love you.” That’s powerful. That’s healing. That’s the stuff your child will carry with them into their own adult relationships.

🐾 Melissa’s Gentle Reminders for Caregivers

Here’s a tiny list of truths I want you to tuck into your heart, especially on the rough days:

1. You are the right parent for your child. No one can love them like you do.

2. There’s no such thing as perfect parenting—only intentional love.

3. Connection always matters more than control.

4. Your child doesn’t need a superhero. They need a human. That’s you.

💖 Let’s Celebrate the Small Wins

Did you make it through the day?
Did you brush someone’s hair?
Did you sit through the meltdown instead of walking away?
Did you whisper “I love you” even when your own tank was empty?

Then you won today. Truly.

And you’ll win again tomorrow. Not because you’re perfect—but because you’re trying. Because you care. Because you are doing better than you think.

🌟 From My Heart to Yours

As someone who works with kids and parents every single day—and as someone who’s also navigated her own medical and emotional mountains—I want you to know this:

You’re seen.
You’re appreciated.
You’re needed.

You’re not failing.
You’re learning.
And your love is making more of a difference than you realize.

So go ahead. Put your feet up. Order the pizza. Skip the guilt.

And if you ever need a little sparkle, a listening ear, or a reminder that you’re doing great—Hazelwood and I are right here.

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