There is no bond closer than that between a mother and her child. Yet this relationship is constantly accompanied by challenges. Mothers often ask themselves: Am I doing everything right? Will I succeed in raising a happy and confident person? Why do I try so hard, only to be met with criticism? I feel guilty about my mistakes and responsible for my child’s failures.

Drawing on my theoretical knowledge, personal experience, and psychotherapeutic practice, I will share my insights into the evolving relationship between mother and child, and how it changes as a child grows. Together, we will explore what it means to be not a perfect mother, but a “good enough” mother—one who not only protects her child, but also creates the space and opportunities for them to grow stronger and more resilient.

Rasa Šimkonienė is a mother of four children. She worked as a school psychologist for more than 20 years in a public school and for four years in a private school. Since 2013, she has been in private practice, working with children, adolescents, and adults. She is a Gestalt psychotherapy practitioner and, since 2019, a certified psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in children and adolescents. She is also licensed by the Vilnius Pedagogical Psychological Service to lead the parent education program School for Parents and Educators.