Theory and Practice of Happiness in Real Life

The paper elaborates on Donald Winnicott’s concept of “good-enough” parenting, highlighting that consistent but imperfect caregiving fosters resilience and emotional development in children. The emotional attunement between parent and child— when flexibly applied—shapes secure attachment and healthy brain development. Both under- and over-attunement can hinder a child’s ability to cope, potentially resulting in long-term emotional difficulties. Importantly, parents also benefit from embracing imperfection, using everyday relational “mismatches” as opportunities for meaningful repair and growth.