You know, “There’s no such thing as a perfect parent” is such a relief to hear. It completely reframes the goal from achieving some impossible standard to just finding your own unique way to be a good one, which is far more empowering and, frankly, achievable.
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Meaning
The core message is a liberating one: stop chasing perfection in parenting and start embracing the countless, authentic ways to be genuinely good at it.
Explanation
Look, we’ve all been there. Lying awake at night, mentally replaying every single thing we think we messed up with our kids that day. That’s the tyranny of perfectionism. What Brené is telling us—and this is the game-changer—is that this perfect parent is a complete myth. A phantom. Chasing it is exhausting and, worse, it keeps us from the real work. The real work is just showing up, being present, and trusting that among the million little choices you make every day—the patience you muster, the apology you give after you lose your cool, the silly dance in the kitchen—*that’s* where good parenting lives. It’s not a destination; it’s a practice.
Quote Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Category | Skill (416) |
| Topics | imperfection (16), love general (86), parenting (19) |
| Literary Style | direct (414) |
| Emotion / Mood | comforting (13), optimistic (116) |
| Overall Quote Score | 88 (131) |
Origin & Factcheck
This quote comes straight from Brené Brown’s work, specifically her audiobook “The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting,” which was published in 2013. You might sometimes see similar sentiments floating around the internet attributed to others, but this specific phrasing and its powerful framing are all Brené.
Attribution Summary
| Context | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Author | Brene Brown (257) |
| Source Type | Book (4032) |
| Source/Book Name | The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting: Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection (35) |
| Origin Timeperiod | 21st Century (1892) |
| Original Language | English (3668) |
| Authenticity | Verified (4032) |
Author Bio
Dr Brene Brown is the author of books such as Daring Greatly and The Power of Vulnerability. The TED talk and Netflix production based on her research reached out to millions of audience. She researches effects of courage and vulnerability in shaping people's work and relationships. She leads the Brené Brown Education and Research Group and provides evidence-based insights into practical tools to help people train themselves
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | There’s no such thing as a perfect parent, but there are a million ways to be a good one |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2013; ISBN/Unique Identifier: 978-1611801053; Last edition: 1st Edition (Sounds True, 2013). Number of pages: 160. |
| Where is it? | Approximate page from 2013 edition, Chapter: Embracing Good Enough |