When I went to journalism school at Northwestern University in the 1990s, we all feared the Medill (School of Journalism) F. In a nutshell, this was the failing grade we received when we screwed up a critical fact of a story. One major mis-step, and you failed. It really was that simple.

And as much as it sucked, it sort of made sense; errors are anathema in the journalism world.

Since becoming a full-time freelance writer in 1997, I’ve prided myself on avoiding Medill Fs as frequently as possible. I constantly play “cover your ass.” I double-check facts obsessively.

Sure, I’ve inadvertently let through a few spelling errors. But by and large, clean copy has become one of my calling cards.

That is, until fatherhood.

Granted, I’m still accurate more than 94 percent of the time. But (to use a baseball analogy) my fielding percentage has dropped from a nearly robotic .989 to a very human .950 or so.

As a neurotic perfectionist, accepting this minuscule decline has been tough for me. Every time I screw up, I rip myself apart. How could I be so careless? Why couldn’t I stave off the Medill F?

I’ve been able to come up with a few answers. For starters, there’s more on my plate these days. I’ve got more important priorities (such as L, and Powergirl). I also haven’t lessened my workload very much; I used to work 80-hour weeks, now most of them average 60 (which is still about 20 hours too long).

This is by no means a plea for absolution of guilt; I take all mistakes seriously and always assume full responsibility for the errors I’ve made (whatever the consequences might be). I also recognize that hundreds if not thousands of parents manage to juggle full-time jobs and full-time childcare, and the last thing I want (or deserve, for that matter) is a pity party.

Still, what I’ve taught myself in the last few weeks is that the whole juggling act is a lot tougher than anyone ever says it is.

And so, dear readers, consider this post a confession. I have erred. I have lost the all-important work-life balance. I have proven to myself yet again that nobody is perfect.

I will get better. On Thursday, we head to Colorado for a week, where I’ll regroup and come up with a new strategy for balancing life and work. One thing is certain: As part of the new routine I will redouble all efforts to avoid any new Medill Fs from this point forward.

Thanks for listening.