doing. I have a secret for you: Pinterest is not real life and what is posted on Facebook is typically the best of what is going on in reality. Embrace the fact that no one is perfect and nobody’s expecting you to be. WHAT IF’S Parents often worry about things that haven’t even happened yet. What if he gets sick? What if she falls and gets hurt? What if I forget something important? What if he doesn’t make the team? What if’s are not worth the energy they use. Acknowledge they are unnecessary and decide not to waste time on them. Face the problems in front of you rather than worrying about issues that do not exist. OUTWARD APPEARANCES A tidy house, a perfectly decorated home, an amazing wardrobe, all organic, home-cooked meals, the perfect marriage, smart, athletic, creative children, and a partridge in a pear tree. We want it all and we want it to be perfect, or at least appear that way. This picture is lovely but it is not a realistic, reachable goal. It is easy to get caught up in what our family looks like to others. It does not matter if your children wear perfectly coordinating outfits. Is your child is dressed in weather appropriate clothing? Great. Does it match? It’s your lucky day. Social media puts so much pressure on us to keep up with what we believe others are Do not let anything rob you of enjoying the present moment. “I worry about what I forgot to do, what I need to do, what I should have done, and what I already did.” 132 HAWAII PARENT July/August 2025
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