Only rule is do your very best

IT’S a tough job that apparently requires “tough love”.

Parenting is extremely rewarding, but it can be equally as difficult.

And trying to follow health guidelines can be a strain.

I am not making excuses or suggesting that guidelines should not be followed, however to those people who enjoy being critical of parents who are genuinely trying to do the best, well I say back off.

There are times that as parents we fall short.

Health guidelines are great, but trying to paint each child, family and situation with the same brush is bound to fail.

I would suggest that if you talked to your work colleagues about their childhood, you would find some went to bed early, others late; some would have enjoyed a diet full of meats and vegetables while others had pasta every day.

And let’s not forget that in the past decade our world has changed radically thanks to the smartphone.

In today’s digital age, there are many children who exceed the two-hour-a-day limit on screens, probably just at school.

Guidelines are excellent as they provide a vital framework, but parents should not get frustrated trying to cross every “t” and dot every “i”; sometimes you will come up a little short or stray off course, but if you stay on the right path, I’m sure you’ll be raising healthy and happy kids.

Good luck.