Perfection is all around us. Perfect bodies, perfect families, and perfect houses are portrayed in most advertisements—on the covers of countless magazines. Marketing agencies constantly bombard us with the illusion of perfection, force-feeding representations of endless beauty, eternal youth, athletic dominance, and professional success. Perfectionism can distract or even prevent us from enjoying our lives, ultimately producing lost joy. The pursuit of perfection is an oppressive cancer of the spirit.
Parents want the best for their children; it can be easy to fall into a perfectionist trap. Infected by perfection, mom might create unrealistic standards, unhealthy expectations, and avoidable pressures that might steal away the fun. Encourage children to do their best and be mindful not to push too hard.
Children are well-served by mothers who truly understand their capabilities and have a realistic grasp of what is important. When we look into their eyes and see them, recognize who they are, and who they are becoming. Spanish artist Salvador Dali said, “Have no fear of perfection, you’ll never reach it.” Rather than expecting perfection, let us show love, endorse value, and celebrate potential.
“Not a single person on earth is always good and never sins.”
-Ecclesiastes 7:20 NLT
A Perfectly Messed-Up Story by Patrick McDonnell
(2- 5 years)
In this interactive and engaging read-aloud, bestselling author and award-winning artist Patrick McDonnell creates a funny, engaging, and almost perfect story about embracing life’s messes.
The complete resource for educating, motivating, and empowering children to cope with mistakes so they can explore new territory without fear!
Brown explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to think, “No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough,” and “Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.”
It Is (Not) Perfect by Anna Kang, illustrated by Christopher Weyant
(3 – 7 years)
It Is (Not) Perfect reminds us that perfection is in the eye―and heart―of the beholder.
Nobody’s Perfect: A Story for Children About Perfectionism Kindle Edition by Ellen Flanagan Burns, illustrated by Erica Pelton Villnave
(8 – 12 years)
Sally Sanders is a perfectionist—if can’t she be the best, she feels like a failure. With the help of her teachers and mother, Sally learns how to relax and try new things without worrying so much about being the best.
Vulnerability—the willingness to show up and be seen with no guarantee of outcome—is the only path to more love, belonging, creativity, and joy. We are, inevitably, going to stumble and fall. When we deny our stories, they define us. When we own our stories, we get to write the ending.
PLEASE NOTE: As an Amazon Associate, Mothers Truly Matter earns from qualifying purchases. The information in this post should not be construed as providing specific psychiatric, psychological, or medical advice, but rather to offer readers information to better understand the lives and health of themselves and their children. It is not intended to provide an alternative to professional treatment or to replace the services of a physician, psychiatrist, or psychotherapist.
