It's a question all mothers and fathers ask themselves at one time or another.

Rest assured, wondering how you're doing doesn't make you a bad parent. Quite the opposite. It shows that you want to be the best parent you can be. Families today lead very busy lives, which often leaves parents and children feeling disconnected. It's no surprise that moms and dads have questions and concerns. They know their youngsters are growing up in a world filled with scary and violent news, and lots of temptation to experiment with drinking or drugs. So, naturally parents tend to worry: 'How can I protect my child's future when I'm not the perfect parent I mean to be?'

Is it possible to be the 'perfect' parent we all dreamt we would be? No. Is it possible to be atleast a 'good enough' parent for our children today? Absolutely.

Here are a few suggestions to help ease your concerns and bring your family closer:

Give up on being perfect.

There is no such thing as perfect. Remember that children rarely give you the credit for successful moments. It is a part of their maturation process to rebel. You're going to make mistakes    that's how you learn to parent. So when something goes wrong, pull back and learn from it. But don't be afraid to say,"'I'm sorry" to your child when necessary. Hearing these words from you helps him learn to say it too when he's done something wrong or hurtful.

Don't give up on discipline.

"I don't want to be a tough parent after I've been away all day," working parents say. But discipline means teaching, not punishment. View it as an opportunity. From discipline your child learns boundaries - and a child who knows his own limits feels much more secure.

Create time together.

Too little family time is one of the biggest worries of the working parents. There's no time to laugh, have fun and simply relish the everyday joys of family, which leaves both parents and children feeling as though they're missing out. And they are. Children, especially, take this lack of family togetherness to heart interpreting it as "no time for me". One way to combat that is by making a special time for your child at the end of the week. Let her decide what you do together. It's a time for closeness and learning about each other.

While you're at work, save up energy for your return home.

Slow down and pace yourself. The goal is not to come home stressed. You know the children will be clamouring for your attention as soon as you walk into the house. Expect it. Gather everyone up to hug and cuddle on the couch for a little while. Ask, "How was your day?" Let them get their "Ughs!" out.

Be aware of your child's 'touch points'.

Just before each spurt in his development, your child will regress and fall back on previous 'habits'. Knowing that these touch points, which seem like setbacks are normal and predictable can help assure you that your less-than-perfect youngster is on track, and that, as a parent, you're O.K. too!

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