Studies have found that child-oriented perfectionism can lead to dissatisfaction with parenting and a burden on the role of parents. This burden may increase to such an extent that parents may feel sorry for becoming parents.

However, parents can overcome this tendency by accepting their child as "good enough." Whenever they fail to regard their children unconditionally, they can acknowledge their mistakes, apologise, and do their best to repair the damage.

Psychologists define other-oriented perfectionism as people who direct their unrealistic perfect expectations outward, such as at their partner, co-workers, and children.

These perfectionists appear to view themselves as flawless and others as coming short...