Dear Parents,
You ARE perfect. Society is not the deciding factor in this. What truly matters is the manner in which you raise members of this world. If you're doing what's best for you and your children, then you remain perfect.
Single parents, you are super heroes that don't receive enough credit. According to the Forum on Children and Family Statistics, 28% of children in America are raised in single parent homes. That means 1/4 of this generation is being raised to understand the value of independency. Your children grow up seeing you take care of them on your own on a daily basis. They see how much work goes into your routine. Your children are also raised to understand the value of hard work. Many of you are working multiple jobs to provide for your family. You also teach your children how much love you have for them. They are your heart and soul and that doesn't go unnoticed. Every decision you make in life has to be done in consideration of your children. This teaches them how to be considerate of another being. So when you're being judged for not being "perfect,"remember how much you are teaching your children about life. Because of your circumstance, your children have learned to be independent; they understand the value of hard work, they love unconditionally, and they are considerate for those around them. Although your cape may not be visible on a public standpoint, you are the biggest superhero in the eyes of your children.
Step-parents, thanks for stepping up to the plate and loving another as much as your own. Thank you for teacher your children about unconditional love for a person that you choose to accept as family. Thank you for providing extra support and a shoulder to cry on during rough times. You have allowed yourself to become not only a parent again, but you have become a teacher, a leader, someone to look up to, and most importantly, you have become a mom or dad. It is because of step parents that many people have learned how to love someone that isn't blood related to them. Because of that, you truly are perfect parents.
Unmarried parents, when your babies looks at you, they see nothing but perfection. It is time you stop listening to society and start listening to those tiny souls that depends solely on you. "In 2013, 40.6% of all American children were born to unmarried patents" (Forum on Children and Family Statistics). There is a huge portion of children that have a vast amount of potential. That potential not only comes from their own circumstances, but it also comes from yours. You're teaching your children what it's like to raise a human being together as one. You are letting your children see teamwork, communication skills, and the importance of deciding on factors together. Your family is perfect because you share the same unconditional love for the people you brought into this world and created together. If you're engaged or planning to be one day, there's nothing more sentimental than making the greatest joy of both of your lives a part of the big moment. Your children are learning about how important it is to set goals and reach for them. Your babies have the chance to know how much they are loved by simply viewing your love story come together. Your children knew perfection the moment they met you, and they didn't know your marital status.
Lastly, I'd like to thank all those parents out there that don't have to be. This includes grandparents, foster parents, aunts, uncles and anyone that has accepted the unexpected. According to Kansas DCF, 94.7% of the children placed in care in 2015 were placed in family-like settings. Thank you for bringing children into your homes and giving them second chances. Because of you, children can piece their broken hearts back together and move forward. You've taught them that life is full of second chances. These children can be reassured that there is always someone out there that cares about them. You have also sacrificed a lot to be in your position. It is extraordinary for your children to see how much joy they bring you even though they weren't part of "the plan." You're perfect because you are changing the lives of so many just by opening doors that so many people won't because of fear.
As Dr. Seuss would say,
"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right, forgive the ones who don't, and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it'd be easy. They just promised it would be worth it."
So, thanks you. Thank you for being you. Thank you for raising independent, unconditionally loving, goal setting, sacrificial members of this world. It is because of your "imperfections" that so many lives are being changed for the better. I promise you are the biggest, most perfect superheroes in the eyes of your children. Please remember that the next time you feel judged by society.
