Many parents set out to raise a family so happy that the whole world might look to them as an example. These lofty dreams are often abandoned when feelings of frustration, irritation and anxiety set in. Their argument for not fulfilling their dream becomes, “I’d like to be a better parent but you don’t know my children!”
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Parents worry that they are making mistakes in raising their children. Knowing from the parenting-know-it-alls in the newspapers and on television that there are better ways of bringing up children only makes things worse.
The Art of Imperfect Parenting, a book by Sheila Bridge, targets parents who feel this frustration. Recognising that all parents experience guilt, anger and worry in trying to raise the best behaved children, the author steers clear of the typical ‘how-to-get-it-right’ approach.
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The book urges parents to be themselves and not to pretend to be who they cannot be when confronted with situations that force them to shout at their children, when their children ‘don’t
seem to learn anything’ and God appears too remote to be relied on.
Writer Sheila Bridge, who describes herself as a full-time mother and part-time writer, offers plenty of real-life and humorous illustrations on parenting.
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Making peace with imperfection does not, however, mean one becomes complacent with one’s failings. Instead, one strives to be the best parent one can be despite their shortcomings. Even more
comforting is the writer’s observation that no matter how long one has been with children, they can never become all-wise and all-knowing parents. This should help parents see the value of coming
to terms with their imperfections.
The secret to this, Bridge argues, calls for change of self rather than change in one’s spouse or children.
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Other books by Bridge include The Art of Plate Spinning, Are We Nearly
There Yet? and Now We Are Here,
Where on Earth Are We?
