Loving your kids doesn’t make you a good parent

I don’t think enough people understand this, hell I didn’t understand this for a long time. “What do you mean I’m not a good parent?! I love them more than life itself!” Yeah, but love isn’t enough. I’ve known and seen so many people that love their kids to absolute pieces but are shitty parents. Being a good parent means putting your kids first, above yourself, above anything else, always and no matter what. Being a good parent means making difficult decisions that you know will benefit your kids. Being a good parent means setting aside your selfish desires and feelings to do what is best for your kids. It means going to therapy and working through your own shit so you don’t inadvertently drag your kids through the same shit you went through. It means asking for help when you need it, even if it hurts your pride, so your kids don’t go without. It means leaving toxic relationships and situations that you are emotionally attached to because your kids deserve better. It means getting up and going to work even if you hate it because you’ve got bills to pay. It means going back to school and aiming for your dreams because you have to show your kids anything is possible if they try. It means taking care of yourself because your kids need you more than you know. It means loving yourself because your kids will mirror everything you do right down to how you speak to yourself. Teach them to love themselves; teach them what a healthy relationship with others and themselves looks like; teach them how to learn and grow; teach them that it’s okay to make mistakes and how to rebound better; teach them how to always chase their dreams no matter how big or small; teach them how to give and receive love. Fill your kids with love and light and respect. Love isn’t enough by itself but it’s a good place to start. Learn how to love yourself for you children.