When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice.
Bren BrownRead
The real questions for parents should be: "Are you engaged? Are you paying attention?" If so, plan to make lots of mistakes and bad decisions. Imperfect parenting moments turn into gifts as our children watch us try to figure out what went wrong and how we can do better next time. The mandate is not to be perfect and raise happy children. Perfection doesn't exist, and I've found what makes children happy doesn't always prepare them to be courageous, engaged adults.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Parents should focus on being engaged rather than perfect, as mistakes can lead to valuable lessons for both them and their children.
In this quote, Brené Brown emphasizes the importance of active engagement in parenting over the pursuit of perfection. She suggests that recognizing and embracing mistakes is essential because these moments provide opportunities for children to learn resilience and growth, ultimately preparing them to be courageous and engaged adults. Instead of aiming solely for the happiness of children through perfection, parents should focus on authenticity and the lessons that come from imperfection.
Themes
ParentingEngagementMistakesGrowthImperfectionChildrenHappiness
In practice
Example use cases
In a parenting workshop discussing the importance of engagement.
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Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we're supposed to be and embracing who we are.
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In the same way that I cannot be perfect and need grace for my mistakes, I also need to give my kids grace. I am constantly learning to be patient with them, understanding that they won't do everything right all the time, while still holding them to a high standard, as their heavenly father does.
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