If You Do These 8 Things as a Parent, You're Doing a Pretty Good Job

Photo: Dakota Johnson/ Instagram

The phenomenon of “mom guilt” has become all too common, but psychology offers an interesting idea to put an end to this stress: the concept of “good enough parenting.” This concept explains that you don’t have to be perfect; there is a level of parenting that is good enough to give your child the opportunity to become a happy and productive person.

If you do these 8 things as a parent, you're doing a pretty good job:

1. Do you tell your child you love them at least once a day?

2. Do you have at least one moment to play with your children, or to connect emotionally every day?

Even if it's just a bedtime story, checking out their schoolwork, or having a conversation on the way to or from an activity.

3. Do you take care of their food and physical needs?

Take them to the doctor for a checkup, wash them, and try to offer them some vegetables?

4. Do you try to provide them with an intellectually stimulating experience every day?

This game with your child's friends, a conversation with you, or even a walk to go shopping.

5. Once a week, do you make sure they socialize with peers outside of school?

Time at the park, with neighbors, cousins, activities, anything that helps children feel part of a culture.

6. Do you occasionally do something really special?

Like a trip to an amusement park, a visit to another state, or throwing a big party for a joy ride? This creates wonderful memories for the child, even if it only happens once a year.

7. Do you try to understand your child's perspective several times a day?

8. Do you try to show functional behavior with others?

Include your spouse, friends, family, and neighbors as much as you can.