Hey there, wonderful moms! This summer, after a decade of being a stay-at-home parent, I took the plunge and started working part-time from home. It’s been liberating! I’m actually getting things done and earning some money too. It’s incredible to focus on something apart from my kids for a few hours each day. However, with this newfound freedom comes a nagging feeling of guilt. Am I a good mom? Am I spending enough quality time with my children? Will the summer slip away without us making enough cherished memories together? Do my kids feel abandoned?
Why do I constantly doubt my abilities as a mother? Sometimes, my inner critic can be relentless. “Stop it! Your kids are fine, and you manage to spend half your day with them. Remember when you were a full-time stay-at-home mom feeling guilty about not using your degree? Or when you worried about contributing to the family income? Maybe you were meant to focus on motherhood for a while. Perhaps your kids still need your presence more than you realize…”
This cycle of self-criticism seems endless, and I know I’m not alone in this struggle. Why are we as moms so tough on ourselves? We’ve carried our little ones, nurtured them, and dedicated ourselves to their care daily.
Every day, we prepare countless meals, clean up messes, and comfort our kids through tears. We are the ones who remember when our children last ate and whether they’ve had enough nutrition. We keep track of every detail, even the intimate ones, and worry about their well-being even when we’re not physically with them.
Yet, despite all this hard work and love, we often feel like we’re falling short. Let’s cut ourselves some slack! We deserve recognition for our daily efforts.
So what fuels this negative self-talk? Is it the influence of social media, where we constantly compare ourselves to others? Or is it a mindset instilled in us from a young age, convincing us that we can never be “good enough”?
I’m over it. Here’s the truth, moms: You are doing an amazing job! Just questioning your ability as a mother shows that you care deeply. Your dedication and love shine through to your kids, whether you’re at home or working in another room.
Embrace your strengths and silence the negative voices. Practice positive self-talk, even if it feels cheesy at times. Your kids need to see a confident mom who knows her worth, both as a mother and as an individual.
We all have days filled with self-doubt, but ultimately, we rise because our love for our children is what drives us. That love is our motivation, even when we feel overwhelmed.
So let’s make a pact: I’ll work on silencing my internal critic if you do the same!
If you’re looking for more insights on this journey, check out our other posts, like this one on terms and conditions. And if you’re exploring options for your journey to parenthood, this resource is fantastic. For further information on conception methods, this article is also a helpful read.
In summary, dear moms, you are doing better than you think. Embrace your efforts, push away the negative thoughts, and remember that your love and dedication make a world of difference in your kids’ lives.