What is transparency? Transparency by definition: Clear, openness, communication, glass. But you are not glass. We cannot possibly be glass. Transparency is a virtue. It is something invaluable to some, and not valuable to others, sometimes in only a moment. Some people prefer lies as opposed to hurt feelings. Whether you’re giving the hurt feelings, or receiving them, transparency can be difficult. I do believe this is a virtue that can come and go. Sometimes, it is easy to be straightforward and forthright with truth. Sometimes, you worry about the outcome of doing so. I think this is important to talk about during our parenting years. It’s important towards our children, but we also need to consider how important transparency is to our own selves while being the parent. I am easily angered. That’s my truth. Am I ashamed of that truth? Oh, absolutely. BUT, I’m honest with myself. I realize I need to work on this. I will always be working on this. I yell sometimes. Again...work on that. I always apologize to my children when I am wrong. See? We need this. We need to remember to be truthful to ourselves. Transparency is not always the enemy. We must build upon our strengths. Acknowledge your weaknesses. Do not bring yourself down to the very bottom and assume you failing as a mother. We have to start normalizing what we do right as a parent. We have to remember that we’re learning just as our children are. And really, are we that different from children? We’re falling a lot, crying a little, and getting back up to try again. Remember we’ll never be as clear as glass, but you can break yourself just as easily.