Embracing The Boogey Man

The numerous articles of evidence have always been present...unfinished homework packets, piles of unread parenting magazines, bottle of Lexapro in the cupboard. Yet, I've never had one, undeniable, flashing, fluorescent sign that I am the poster child for Imperfect Parenting. Then, as I checked my email yesterday, there it sat. It was a message from a man named Prescott, (of all names!) The message was an invitation to write for a blog. It is a blog that I visit often, to seek advice, get a laugh, feel better about my own mediocrity. The blog is called "Imperfect Parent." As I read Prescott's invitation to join the ranks of contributors, I could feel an invisible force reach down and slap a big name tag on my back. I finished responding to the email, with an emphatic, "Count me in!" and ran to the bathroom.

As I rotated my head, Exorcist style, and peered into the mirror, I saw it clear as day. A huge red name tag with the inscription, "Imperfect Parent" staring back at me. I had been marked with the crimson name tag that only the few, privileged, sub par parents ever have the distinct honor of wearing. Hester Prynne ain't got nothin' on me! The symbol of adultery is but one puny letter when compared to the grandeur that is the crimson name tag of mediocrity. The label of mediocrity has always lurked nearby, since that fateful day in December of 1998, when I birthed my first child.

I have managed to evade it's tattoo for years and wasted so much in doing so. It was my grown up Boogey Man. Something that I felt stalking me, yet I never wanted to acknowledge its exsistence. Then, when I finally realized that it wasn't the horrible misconception that many make it out to be, I actually began to embrace mediocrity. Motherhood has become exponentially more enjoyable, when you do not kill yourself trying to be perfect. And now...here I stand, proudly displaying my tag and declaring that I am an Imperfect Parent! My acceptance of this new moniker just proves to me, that sometimes the Boogey Man is actually a really fun guy who prefers the solitude that can only be found under a bed and can be your friend if you just give him a chance!