It means a lot to know that you, too, are not always in the mood to be a good parent. At times I have felt shame for feeling that way. But like you said, I collect my strength and show up for them.

When the kids say, “Best mom ever!” I sometimes feel like replying, “Well, sort of; I often feel more like a hermit pretending to be a good mom.” But what you wrote here is true: by making the choices a good mom would make, I am a good mom.