The Perfect Parent

By Shannon Gurnee
In Blogging Randomness
August 18, 2010
9 Comments
2081 Views

Before I had kids, I thought I knew all there was to know about childrearing and believed that when I had kids one day, they would behave as well as I believed I had when I was younger.

Now that I am a parent, I am learning that I in fact did NOT know everything there was to know about parenting. Every day, I learn from my boys and our experiences. I learn that each child is an individual and requires different ways of parenting, discipline, and showing love.  I strive to raise the young men of the future – men who open doors for women; men who use kind words; men who work hard; men who understand what responsiblity; men who help with household chores; and men who have honor, loyalty, and compassion for those around them.

So, is there such thing as a perfect parent?  I believe there is.  Now before you unsubscribe from The Mommy-Files based on my response, hear me out.  In my mind, the perfect parent is one who strives to be the best he or she can be.  A perfect parent is one who is constantly learning new parenting strategies and skills and applying them in real life.  A perfect parent is one who never gives up on his or her kids, even when times get tough.  A perfect parent is imperfect, just as all other perfect parents are.

I am so thankful to be a parent to my 3 amazing boys.   Yes, they have a lot of energy.  Yes, they get into things just like other children do.  Yes, they bring me more joy and happiness than I ever could imagine.  Thank you Brian, Dallen, and Sam.  I love you forever and always!

About Has 6457 Posts

Shannon Gurnee is the author of Redhead Mom formerly "The Mommy-Files", a national blog with a loyal following. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development with a Minor in Business Management. Shannon and her husband, Frank, have a large family with 6 awesome kids and love living on the Central Coast near San Luis Obispo, California, as well as traveling around the world. A full-time Social Media and Professional Blogger, Shannon also serves as a National Brand Ambassador for many well-known companies. Her blog focuses on motherhood, family fun activities, traveling, fashion, beauty, technology, wedding ideas and recipes while providing professional opinions on products, performances, restaurants, and a variety of businesses.

9 Responses to “The Perfect Parent”

  1. louise says:

    You are a good mom and I agree with you! All we can do is strive to be the best we can be as parents!

  2. *LyndiLou* says:

    I think you’re right Shannon… each of us can strive to be perfect parents. It’s hard work, but we brought these little ones into the world now we need to help them be the very best they can! The blessings and knowledge WE will gain from the experience will be just as rewarding as seeing them be good, healthy and happy people! 😀

  3. Sharon says:

    I love this post! There’s so much pressure on parents, we need to remind ourselves that doing our best really is good enough.

    Have you noticed that many of those who complain about others’ parenting skills have no children of their own? I remember a conversation overheard at the local swimming pool one day between two women who didn’t have children yet. Of course they had all the answers for those of us whose children were at the pool that day!

  4. Kayla says:

    I couldn’t agree with your assessment on the perfect parent more-My personal definition of ‘Perfection’ isn’t it’s dictionary form, but the fact that people, places and things are flawed. Perfect is being flawed, but trying your best despite that fact 🙂

  5. admin says:

    You ladies are amazing! Thanks for your support! I’m sure you are (or will be) amazing moms!

  6. I completely agree! It’s good to remind ourselves that trying our best is doing our best. Thanks for posting!

  7. sam says:

    we all do what we can, and try to do better tomorrow. and that’s all we can do.

    i’m a new follower via GFC, found you on the blog hops

    please feel free to follow me back at

    http://havesippywilltravel.blogspot.com/

    thanks, and i like your blog 🙂

  8. What a beautiful & perfect post… you are so right. The perfect parent makes mistakes and knows to own up to them and learn from them. He/she knows that it is OK to let their child see them make these mistakes and has the ability to apologize for them.
    You are such a great parent and I think you ARE a perfect parent. Your boys are SO lucky to have you as a mom… don’t you worry about me unsubscribing from The Mommy-Files, your’s is one of my favorite sites! I cannot wait to meet you in person some day. 🙂

  9. Jenn says:

    I love this post.. You are such a good mom. That is why I enjoy your blog as much as I do.

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