“Your child does not need a “happy mom.” They need a REAL parent. One with a range of emotions. One that feels comfortable to express those emotions and then models how to process those emotions, without guilt or shame. Grant yourself the same grace and forgiveness you give your child. You both deserve to be human.” J. Milburn Edited to clarify: this quote is not meant to be interpreted as “be miserable all the time.” Personally, through therapy I have learned that the pursuit of eternal happiness is futile and often leaves us unfulfilled. It also glorifies this concept that a purely happy life is attainable and it is not. There will always be ups and downs. The more children see that these ups and downs are normal and healthy ways to cope with them, the more emotionally intelligent they will become. For me, I am so much happier now that I’ve stopped trying to be happier all the time. It’s about authenticity and emotional intelligence, not advocating for living unhappily. #responsiveparenting #peacefulparenting #peacefulparent #gentleparent #gentleparenting #attachmentparenting #attachment #attachmenttheory #motherhood #parenthood #childdevelopment #childdevelopmentspecialist #parenting #parent #childhood #momlife #familytime #closefamily #intuitiveparenting #instinctualparenting #mindfulparenting #mindfulmama #parentmentalhealth #mamasmentalhealth #realparenting #realparents https://www.instagram.com/p/CPLMT_RHyIq/?utm_medium=tumblr













