Progress Over Perfection: Why Practice Matters in Raising Kids by Fern Weis, Parent + Family Recovery Coach

“I tried that before, and it didn’t work.” Sound familiar?

Many parents tell me they’re always searching for something new—a magic solution to their child’s behavior. But how often did you actually try that “one thing”? Once? Twice?

If your child gave up after just one attempt, you’d likely encourage them to try again. To be an influencer, you must apply the same standard to yourself.

Practice makes progress. The brain learns through repetition, and your parenting skills will improve with that repetition. If it’s good enough for your child, it’s good enough for you.

A helpful mantra is, “Repetition is the mother of skill.” Think about learning to walk, ride a bike, or even type—none of these things happened overnight. Progress comes with repeated effort.

This same idea applies to parenting strategies. While it’s true that some methods may need to be let go if they truly don’t work, most require practice and persistence. It takes time for you to master new skills, and it takes time for your child to adjust to new boundaries and expectations.

When you’re feeling frustrated and ready to quit, remember the dreams you have for your child’s future. Stick with it, even when it’s tough. You are their most important teacher, and they’re counting on you to guide them into becoming confident, resilient, and strong.

Reflection:

1. How many times do you try something before giving up?

2. Do you expect more persistence from your child than from yourself?

3. How can practicing patience in your parenting help your child adjust to new boundaries?

4. What are some hopes and dreams you have for your child that motivate you to keep trying?

If you can crack the code and master the skill, you'll be amazed at the progress your child can make. Let's do this together. I'm happy to gift you with a 30-minute, free Parent Support Call. Click HERE.

Fern Weis | Parent + Family Recovery Coach

Fern Weis is a certified life coach who learned that caring and good intentions are not enough in parenting. In fact, they are often the problem! Fern supports parents of teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations, including addiction recovery. She helps parents release guilt, end enabling and confidently prepare their children to thrive through life's challenges. Her articles are featured in Thrive Global, Medium, Motherly, The Teen Mentor, and Bergen County Moms.

Learn more about coaching and classes at www.fernweis.com. And then download your free guide, "Five Powerful Steps to Get Your Teen to Talk." For information on Family Recovery programs, visit www.familyrecoverypartners.com.