Today was one of those days where I couldn’t shake the feeling of being a subpar mom. I found myself prioritizing my own needs over my child’s. I sipped my coffee instead of diving right into changing the baby’s diaper, which certainly wasn’t my best moment.
There was a moment of weakness too. I lost my cool and raised my voice at my toddler when she stubbornly refused to eat the healthy meal I prepared. I found myself saying “no” far more often than “yes,” and I regrettably spoke through clenched teeth more times than I’d like to admit.
It seems that those who advise us to “enjoy every moment” have conveniently brushed aside the chaotic reality of parenting. It’s not all smiles and laughter. The closest I’ve come to a joyful outburst today was when my little one made a colorful mess with her crayons. (Yes, I was a negligent mom at that moment.)
No matter how hard I strive to be the ideal mother, I often feel like I fall short of that image. However, I know that dwelling on my mistakes will only lead to frustration. I need to remind myself of all the things I accomplished today as well.
In fact, I had some great moments too. I transformed our living room into a magical fort with pillows and blankets, creating a space for laughter and play. I showed patience as I waited for my toddler to finally let me help her buckle into her car seat after ten long minutes. I also took the time to put away my phone and snuggle with my kids on the couch. Kisses for boo-boos and hugs for tears were abundant.
As parents, we naturally wish for the absolute best for our children—not just average, but exceptional. We hold ourselves to high standards, which can sometimes lead to feelings of inadequacy and guilt. It’s unhealthy to focus solely on our missteps while ignoring our successes.
I often wonder if it’s human nature to highlight the negatives. “Mommy guilt” is a phrase we hear frequently, but what about “Mommy pride”? Perhaps I just invented that term, but it’s worth celebrating. We’ve brought life into this world, nurtured our children with our own bodies, and endured sleepless nights just to ensure they are fed. We’ve cleaned up countless messes and, most importantly, we’ve loved them with every fiber of our being. A mother’s love is unique—it’s selfless, nurturing, and unconditional.
When we take stock of our day, we often find that our positive moments outweigh the negative. Parenting is a daily dance of ups and downs, filled with mistakes and triumphs. It’s not about perfection; it’s about being aware of our actions and holding it together even when it feels like everything might fall apart. We strive to find balance, stumbling and soaring along the way. With a bit of luck, we learn to navigate our paths a little more gracefully every day.
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