Be Kind to Yourself: Why Your Parenting Journey Doesn’t Need to Look Like Anyone Else’s

It’s so easy to look around and feel like everyone else has it figured out. You see parents at the playgroup whose babies nap like clockwork. You hear stories from friends whose little ones “slept through the night” at 3 months old. You scroll past picture-perfect routines on Instagram.

And suddenly, you start questioning yourself:

“Why isn’t my baby doing that?"

“What am I doing wrong?”

“Why does this feel so hard for me?”

Here’s the truth → You’re not doing anything wrong.

Every Baby is Different

Some babies nap in the cot with ease. Others prefer motion naps in the pram or car. Some are naturally settled sleepers, while others need a little more support. Some thrive on a rigid routine, and others do better with flexibility.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to parenting. Babies are unique, and so are families.

Every Family is Different

Every household has its own rhythm:

• Work schedules

• Older siblings

• Support networks

• Health needs

• Cultural differences

What works beautifully for one family might feel impossible for another. And that’s okay. The right approach is the one that works for you and helps your baby feel safe and loved.

Why Comparison Steals Your Joy

When we compare, we usually measure our hardest moments against someone else’s highlight reel. But behind closed doors, every parent has challenges. Every baby has tricky phases. And every family has their own version of “hard.”

A Gentle Reminder

Being kind to yourself as a parent means:

• Giving yourself credit for the effort you put in every single day.

• Allowing yourself to rest without guilt.

• Accepting that it’s normal to struggle sometimes.

• Remembering that love and presence matter more than perfection.

Your worth as a parent isn’t measured by how long your baby naps, how quickly they self-settle, or how many night wakes you have. It’s measured by the love, comfort, and safety you give your child — and you’re already doing that.

Final Thought

Parenting isn’t about ticking boxes or following someone else’s path. It’s about finding your way — the rhythm that works for your baby and your family.

So next time you catch yourself comparing, pause. Remind yourself: “My baby, my family, my journey.” And that is more than enough.

If your current rhythm feels unsustainable, I invite you to book a FREE discovery call with me to see how I can help you. Together we can look at what’s happening in your home and explore new ways to create balance, rest, and a plan that works for your family.