There's Always Tomorrow, So Go Easy on Yourself

There's always tomorrow. After some tough days at work, I often find myself worrying about what I could have done better. Same thing goes for parenting. Some days I really mess up with Bob. It could be in the way that I talk to him or if I forget something important for him. I put pressure on myself to do my best both professionally and personally. Sometimes, I forget that I don't have to.

Tomorrow Starts With Today

Bob goes through the same thing. Sometimes he has a tough day at school or camp (since it's summertime). I've noticed he's hard on himself, too. Like anyone else (myself included) kids measure their worth by how good they are at an activity.

Bob gets frustrated when he can't figure something out on his own (which keeps him from asking for help) or when he can't come up with a good idea for an essay. I do my best to encourage Bob and let him know that he has another chance to have a great day tomorrow. He doesn't have to be perfect, but he does have to try his best.

I Need to Remember There's a Tomorrow

I tell myself the same thing as a parent. Everyday is a new day; a new opportunity to be successful. I know that every day that I parent Bob, I learn new things or re-learn some things that didn't stick the first time. Or the first hundred times. I give myself a breather.

We parents get so bogged down with negativity - reports from teachers, unsupportive family members or even our own doubts about our parenting. I know I've had doubts about my parenting. Am I making the right decision? Did I say the right thing? Did I scar him for life? (Yes, I do think about that.)

Thinking About Tomorrow Helps

And you know what? I think about the fact that a new day is coming for me tomorrow. A new day for me to be a good mom. A new day to just give myself a pat on the back and a break from doing the dishes. Because we already put pressure on ourselves as parents. We forget that we've got a 'tomorrow' for a do-over. Parenting a child with mental illness is nowhere near easy. I know it isn't easy for me. But, when I remember that I have tomorrow to look forward to, I'm okay.

You will be, too.