She's developed a habit of screaming and kicking when I change her diaper. Redirecting works 80% of the time. Today she was kicking me extremely hard and I just had enough. I popped her on the leg.

Seeing her cry in pain and fear broke my heart. This isn't the way I want to parent.

I hugged her tight and told her how sorry I was and that I loved her. She forgot about it and moved on with playing.

I made a mistake, and I'm sure I will make many more mistakes. But a mistake doesn't make me a bad mom.

I'm only sharing because it helps me release my thoughts.