Ask any parent and they can probably tell you all the things they have done wrong in the past week. We tend to focus on where we need to make improvements, all those times we made mistakes or where our weaknesses keep us from being the most perfect parent however. Focusing on our weaknesses, however, seldom makes us better parents. It is playing up our strengths as parents that can make us more effective.
It just seems to be human nature to hone in and feel self conscious of our weaknesses. Or, perhaps it is cultural for us having been raised in our American society to focus on where we need to make improvements instead of celebrating and appreciating the things we do well. The thing is, it does not help us to be better parents or to be more available to our kids if we are worrying about all the ways we make mistakes. Additionally, when we focus on what we do well, we can make parenting decisions from a position of strength and confidence, not insecurity.
Our children can tell if we are comfortable and confident or if we are not. They have a natural tendency to want to take advantage of our weaknesses (can you blame them?) so if we get stuck focusing on weaknesses, we are giving them less structure and guidance than we could be. What do you do well? Are you a practical person, or someone who has a vast amount of patience? Are you able to see when your child is lying or trying to take advantage of you? Are you good in the clutch or someone who does well with coordination and organization? Find the areas where you shine and focus on ways to utilize those well in your role as a parent.