Your children don’t need a perfect parent—they need a happy, strong, and loving one. That’s you. It’s a truth I’ve come to understand, though not without some struggle along the way.

When my marriage fell apart, I was consumed with guilt. I worried endlessly about how the divorce would affect my kids. Would they blame me? Would they feel like something was missing? I felt like I had to overcompensate for the loss of a “complete” family. I tried to do it all—working long hours to make up for the financial strain, keeping up with their school activities, making elaborate meals, and trying to be cheerful even when I felt like falling apart inside.

But despite all my efforts, I still felt like I wasn’t enough. One night, after tucking my youngest into bed, I sat on the couch and broke down. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and still, it felt like I was failing.

Then something happened that shifted everything. My daughter came out of her room and hugged me, saying, “You’re the best mom ever, even when you’re sad.” Her words stopped me in my tracks. She didn’t need perfection. She didn’t need me to hide my struggles or pretend everything was fine. She just needed me to be there—to love her and do my best, even on the hard days.

That moment taught me that what my children need most isn’t a picture-perfect parent. They need someone who shows them that it’s okay to have tough days, to make mistakes, and to keep going anyway. They need someone who models resilience, kindness, and love.

I don’t have to be perfect to be a good mom. I just have to be me—imperfect, strong, and full of love for my kids. And that, I’ve learned, is more than enough.