Whether you ' re in a marriage , serious relationship , or have kids , the best words of advice are this Lower your expectations . Your significant other and your kids aren ' t going to be perfect , and that ' s OK . Adore the things they do great . Your kid is great at problem solving ? Great ! Think of all of his potential as he grows older . There is something different about you than most Nmoms , however you recognized what was happening and called CPS , because you wanted what ' s best for them . That ' s a hardly narcissistic trait , and so if you are trying to do what ' s best for your kids , I think you are trying to be a good parent . So yeah . Don ' t sweat the small stuff , and maybe go talk to somebody . I ' m certain your anxiety about not being a perfect mother is not the first in this world . There are people out there that can help you and your children have happy lives , and CPS might be able to point you in the right direction . Good luck . Keep loving your kids , and let them make choices , and remember their potential , but don ' t enforce it . Kids need wiggle room in life . EDIT You ' re , not your .