I have been told that good intentions just aren’t enough, but I would like to think that the universe will cut a little slack for a single parent. After all, many of us carry around the best of intentions most of the time, but things do not always turn out the way we intend. I am finding that as my children are getting older and they are all older teenagers now, they are starting to appreciate the fact that I am almost always trying a little more. When they were younger, they were incredibly harsh critics, but then again, so was the rest of the world.
Running late? Choose a date or partner who turned out to be a cad? Run out of money before pay day? Miss the soccer game? I am sure many of you can relate to these realities of a single parent’s life. I am sure you can also relate to the fact that we surely had the best intentions on the onset. I have certainly never intended to hurt or disappoint my kids and deep in my heart and soul, I really do want the very best for them and want to create a world that gives them the best. Unfortunately, my humanity and flaws and foibles can get in the way of my best intentions.
The question is not whether or not we will hurt and disappoint our kids and have moments when we are anything but the fabulous single parent we fancy ourselves to be, the question is what will we do to make amends and how will we let those experiences guide and strengthen us? If we really do keep trying and do everything we can to make things work with our children, they will get it eventually. If we are perpetually late, perpetually choosing inferior potential partners, and letting them down on a regular basis, they will not believe that we have the best of intentions. And, chances are we will cease to believe we do either.
Also: Marriage Tips: Assume Good Intentions