The real questions for parents should be: “Are you engaged? Are you paying attention?” If so, plan to make lots of mistakes and bad decisions. Imperfect parenting moments turn into gifts as our children watch us try to figure out what went wrong and how we can do better next time. The mandate is not to be perfect and raise happy children. Perfection doesn’t exist, and I’ve found what makes children happy doesn’t always prepare them to be courageous, engaged adults.

More quotes by Brené Brown

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"Choose the great adventure of being brave and afraid at the exact same time."

- Brené Brown

Courage

"Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen."

- Brené Brown

Courage

"Every new day invites us to step out of our comfort zone and embrace new experiences that expand our horizons."

- Brené Brown

New Beginnings

"I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness—it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude."

- Brené Brown

Happiness

"You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging."

- Brené Brown

Self-esteem

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"Love sees not with the eyes, but with the heart."

- Beauty and the Beast

Love

"The spell will be broken, the Beast will cease to exist, and I will become a prince once more, if she can learn to love and be loved in return."

- Beauty and the Beast

Love

"Love is not about finding someone perfect, but about accepting their imperfections."

- Beauty and the Beast

Love

"Love can break even the most powerful of curses."

- Beauty and the Beast

Love

"Love is not a choice, but a force that binds souls together."

- Beauty and the Beast

Love