01/20/2026
Save this for your reminder that you’re more than your worst moment.
1. I’d stop expecting perfection from myself. The human experience isn’t always “happy”. With it comes frustration, worry, stress in addition to the joy. Just because you’re a parent doesn’t mean you stop experiencing those feelings.
2. I’d use my “less-pleasant” emotions as teaching moments. How powerful would it be for your kid to see their parent, who they love and look up to most in this world, to model what it’s like to be frustrated or overwhelmed and the strategies that are regulating? Think about what that could look like as they grow from toddlers into adulthood!
3. I’d stop comparing myself to parents on social media - or even my most chill mom friends. You don’t know what happens behind closed doors or even what someone’s internal experience is while they look calm on the outside. I was setting myself up to feel embarrassed and as if I was a bad parent. Logically, I know that’s not true and you do too! Don’t let comparison be the thief of your joy. And don’t let it pour gasoline on your overstimulated fire.
4. I’d focus on co-regulating with the goal of me and my child working together to meet the demands in front of is. You’re not supposed to put their oxygen mask on and ignore your own. You put their oxygen mask on first … but you should both still be taking oxygen!
5. I’d recognize that repair after the rupture can strengthen our connection even more than it was before.
For concrete regulation strategies for you, for your kids, and tools for repair if you couldn’t catch your breath in the moment: the Co-Regulation & Connection Toolkit can be found in my bio and our website www.brightspotpediatrics.com
Don’t let the tricky parts of parenthood define it. Give yourself some grace. You’re more than your worst moment.
