Repeat After Me.

Ready?

“Everyone is doing the best they can.”

Now say it over and over until you actually believe it.

Because I believe it and it is my creed. Especially when it comes to parenting.

Yes, there are the extreme parents that are neglectful or smothering but most days, most ways everyone is gritting it out just like you and me.

The mother I see impulsively swat her child’s bottom in public may have just lost her job and will agonize for hours later about that one moment and whether it will scar her child.

The boy who runs out in the road while his mother chats could be our child on any given day. Everyone is distracted at some point and it is luck that determines the outcome of any momentary lapse.

The mom in heels, jeans and make-up in the morning drop off line may be perfecting the outside to mask her crumbling insides.

There are countless scenarios with myriad explanations that are not readily apparent to us, but, moreover, are none of our business.

If any one of us is so perfect as to be judgmental of another, then please step forward and share your wisdom. Graciously.

Because, deep down, we all want to be the best we can be in parenting and in life.

If a child is in danger—of the legal or lethal kind—by all means assist that child. Even this can be accomplished without judgement. A true Samaritan assists without an agenda or hope of personal gain.

We were put on this earth flawed. We will leave the same way. And in between will be a million tiny moments to rise above and believe the good in others.

Knowing that everyone is doing the best they can.