Being a mom is one of those things that is so hard to pin down.
Are you doing great job? A horrible one? Did letting your kids watch an extra hour of tv just throw a weeks worth of good “mom deeds” down the drain?
We all get insecure sometimes, but there are 5 thoughts in particular that can get to even the best of us.
With that being said, it’s time to bust some myths!
1. I Can’t Have A Moment To Myself, The Kids Need Me.
Whew. This one is probably the one I struggle with the most. It’s so subconscious, to the point where I can’t enjoy myself when I’m out. Or I’m rushing home and cutting my me time short.
It really sucks when you can’t break that attachment, but believe me, you have to try. Devoting your entire life to your kids isn’t necessary or commendable. You have to have time for yourself.
It’s so true that absence grows fondness, and not even just that! A well rested mom, is a more patient, more involved mom. Let dad take over for a bit and get some self care going mama!
2. I Have No Idea What I’m Doing.
Not true. I can’t stress that enough.
Do you know everything? Probably not. Honestly, kids are super resilient. As long as you can change a diaper, feed them. clean them up, and play with them. You’re an awesome mom!
I feel like motherhood has gotten so complicated lately, with all of the reports on screen time or “crunchy parenting” or montessori practices. It’s enough to make any mom feel a bit overwhelmed.
I say, as long as you’re doing your best, that’s more than enough!
3. I Lost My Temper. My Kids Must Hate Me.
We are human! A normal human being would get upset a kid called their name 100 times in a row.
Unfortunately, you most likely won’t always have a super calm response to your kid dropping a dirty diaper in your lap and then streaking around the house laughing like a maniac with poop stains on their butt. And that’s ok.
Obviously, we want to make sure that we don’t take things too far. Yelling at your kids for breaking yet another expensive item won’t send them to therapy for the rest of their lives! Just make sure the good times outweigh the bad!
4. I’m Tired Of Doing Activities With My Kids. I’m A Horrible Person.
This is a safe space, guys. Adults simply do not playing patty cake for more than 5 minutes. Kids however can go on for hours. They have no concept of time.
It’s ok to distract them with something and back away slowly sometimes! Most adult people do not have the attention span to play with kids all day, that honor goes to saints and teachers. (who should get paid WAY more, btw.) Don’t beat yourself up about it!
5. My Kids’ Ate McDonald’s 3 Times This Week! I’m A Bad Mom.
But did they die tho? Just kidding, but honestly, I really wouldn’t sweat what they eat that much. Obviously, try to make sure they’re eating as balanced of a diet as they can. Anybody who’s tried to feed a toddler vegetables knows however, you’ve got better luck mopping the ocean.
I try to say, if they had a “cheat day” one day then we’ll try to be extra mindful the next day. But my kid is so freaking picky that she’ll literally starve unless I put french fries in front of her.
If I had to choose between starving a child or feeding them McDonald’s, I bet you can figure out which one I’m going with!
Long story short, we’re all just doing the best that we can, with what we have! Instead of being so judgemental, maybe we could all stand to try to understand where other moms are coming from. None of us are perfect!
