 But their expectations are often too high, thinking, if I do everything right, my children will turn out well. But if I do anything wrong, they're going to fail. Here's some encouragement from author and mom Kathy Lipp. Give yourself a break, she says. Parenting isn't cut and dry. Not only do children have their own personalities and desire for independence, but there are countless variables beyond your control. So let this reality settle into your heart and mind once and for all.