You Are Never So Perfect, and That Too is Okay, Mum.

Do you feel that you are doing everything in your power to be physically fit, yet your mental fitness pulls you back? You are never so perfect, and that too is okay, Mum.

This phrase embraces the beauty of imperfection, reminding us that striving for perfection is not necessary, and it's okay to be flawed. Embrace your uniqueness and accept yourself as you are. You are perfect as you are, and you do what feels right.

Let me share a personal story. My middle son, who runs his own business, works from home, whenever he is in the country. I love his company, and he makes the best healthy breakfast for me daily, we talk, we discuss, we argue sometimes, and the arguments turn into debates. We get the other kids or my husband involved, and finally, he lets me have the last word – that's our love!

If you met my son as a baby, you would know that he was the sweetest child, with no issues whatsoever! Feed him, clean him, and leave him on a mat to play, and he would fall asleep. He smiled watching the fan on the ceiling and enjoyed seeing the leaves move when the wind blew. But when he entered toddler mode, mischief rolled in.

The years from 5 to 14 were not so good. He went into disruptive mode. He had no fear of anything. He would fall, break, and destroy pretty much all the toys his brother had saved! Relatives were uncertain about inviting us, and if they did, they would ensure all their expensive glassware and decor were locked away! My cheeky little chap was very inquisitive and always demanded to charge back if you asked him not to touch something! His inquisitive mind would not stop but find it amusing to play with all animals, including snakes, spiders, and scorpions during our visits to game parks.

Now, being a mother of a child who keeps you on your toes is tough, but it's much tougher when you have no support or understanding from the people around you. I remember being stared at by other mothers at school, probably thinking I had no clue how to raise kids. See, every mother tries their best and does what's within their power and capability. Not every mother has family support or best friends who run to their rescue. Not every mother can afford house help or nannies. Most have to juggle their duties, and it's super tough when you have more than one child. The focus is spread across the kids, and it doesn't end there. We have to look after the house, shop, prepare and feed, and feed ourselves the food that's almost gone cold because while you are eating, you have to stand several times to wipe the bottom or check on who has snatched whose book and kicked whom.

As a single mum, it wasn't easy raising four kids. One thing led to another, and eventually, you see time passing by... Parents who juggle on their own, be it fathers or mothers, have a lot on their plate.

So next time you see someone going through a separation or divorce, give them a supportive smile if that's all you have to offer, but don't judge them, or their kids, or talk behind their back, assuming you know it all. You certainly know nothing about what goes on behind closed doors.

The success of being called a good parent comes with a huge price in this judgmental society, so be kind, be polite, and please mind your own business.

Going back to my son, he has always been unique. He stood out from the rest. His questions, his talks, his way of causing trouble – everything was unique. I still remember going to his 6th form, and the teacher said to me that my son might not pass with good grades and make it to university! In front of the teacher, my son asked me to look at him in his eyes and said, "Mum, don't listen to these fearsome words. I promise you all A-stars and that I'll make it to the university I want to go to!" It was his dream to go to LSE.

My son did most of his studies at home because he said he didn't understand what the teacher taught most of the time! The end result was phenomenal. My son made it to LSE (London School of Economics), worked super hard with good people after, and then, at the age of 24, decided to start his own business. He laid his dream on the table! As his mother, I was first reluctant, as I have money blockages from my childhood, but again, he asked me to trust him!

Today, as a 26-year-old, my son owns his own business, travels across the globe, enjoys his life, and I find success in my mothering after all. For parents who have extremely naughty children, please know that the phase is short-lived, and in time, the naughtiness too will stop and change. What I learned from my boy was that his fearless childhood prepared him to become a no-boundary sort of soul. He is a risk-taker. He is also very, very private – no social media and no photos – so you will hardly ever see him on my social media. He prefers not to be seen, but his actions speak louder than his words.

As a young mother, I had many fears myself and didn't have support or guidance, so most days, I lived in fear of whether I was a good mother or was doing something wrong, always questioning myself and my parenting skills. But at the end of the day, it was not about me! My child came into my life with his own life and dreams. He has paved his own way to success and growth. I was just a little guide who let him through into this world and probably many times led to restrictions out of fear and disciplinary acts, but in the end, one meets their goal no matter what we do or don't do, and one meets their goal no matter how much they are judged and criticised.

So all you parents out there, let those little rascals play and enjoy their childhood. Let them be free and keep fulfilling their inquisitive minds. Don't get angry and frustrated in the process of being judged and being perfect. Don't stop your child from becoming who they want to be by laying your fears upon them.

I always show my weaknesses and strengths to my kids. The days I don't feel like waking up, cooking, or cleaning, I share this feeling clearly with them. I want my boys to understand their mother as a woman who deals with a lot on her plate and is not always superhuman. I want them to also know that that could be them one day, being challenged by their children, and it's okay to not be okay. I want my children to know that whoever they marry may also experience something similar, and that too is okay.

Life should not be fixated on rules. Life should be flawless, especially when parenting. No parent is bad; only their priorities and the choices they make may let them down.

Last year, I had the privilege of working with world-renowned divorce coach Sara Davidson and acquired my breakup and divorce coaching certification. Now, I practice helping other parents navigate divorce while incorporating my well-being techniques. Life should not end in bitterness, especially where children are concerned. Humanity plays a huge role. Divorce isn't just about two people; it's about the community they built together. Everyone gets hurt, and my job is to work with you mindfully, preparing you to become a mastermind parent.