5 Parenting Regrets You Should Let Go of Today

As I prepare to send my eldest off to college, I find myself reflecting on the past 18 years of motherhood. It’s a time filled with memories of both triumphs and the inevitable missteps that come with parenting. From the early days of obsessively counting diaper changes to stressing over spelling tests and navigating the often rocky teenage years, I’ve been haunted by the “what ifs” and “should haves.” But here’s the truth: I’ve decided to toss those regrets aside.

Maya Angelou once said, “I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better,” and it’s a mantra that has changed my perspective. I realize now how trivial the worries were, like keeping track of every single diaper or thinking that my child’s academic failures would determine their future. The reality is that I did the best I could with what I knew at the time, and I refuse to let guilt cloud my parenting journey any longer. So, here are five regrets you can let go of right now—because you’re doing just fine!

1. Choices About Infant Feeding

Whether you breastfed, used formula, or opted for store-bought baby food, the important thing is that your child was fed. They will inevitably grow up to enjoy a diet of french fries and pizza at some point, so stop worrying about the specifics.

2. Screen Time Concerns

During a particularly tough time with my third child, I leaned on screens for support, allowing my older kids to enjoy hours of PBS Kids and Nick Jr. daily. And you know what? They turned out perfectly fine, and those screens provided me with a much-needed break.

3. Reading Routine

As a librarian, I understand the significance of reading to kids. However, I couldn’t manage to do it every night. Instead of feeling guilty, I focused on encouraging a love for reading in other ways—like letting them see me enjoying a good book.

4. Missing Events

With four kids, attending every sporting event or dance recital is often impossible. But don’t worry—kids understand they aren’t the center of the universe and don’t need constant validation from their parents.

5. Work-Life Balance

Whether you work from home or outside the home, what matters is that your family’s needs are being met. As long as you’re providing for your children, that’s what counts.

If I could change one thing, it would be to stop doubting my abilities as a mom. Now that I see my child embarking on a new chapter, my hope is that he learns to embrace life without dwelling on regrets. For more on navigating your own parenting journey, check out this great resource on IUI success from WebMD, and if you’re interested in home insemination, you can find more information through this link.

In conclusion, let go of those weighed-down feelings. You have done your best, and it’s time to embrace the present!