Hello, I’m your pediatrician, and I have something important to share with you. You may have always sensed it but never confirmed it. Your actions speak volumes when you ask me not to judge you or when you express concern about being the “perfect” mom.
You often worry about what I think when your children are bouncing off the walls in my office. You question whether I’ll dismiss your concerns or judge you for not having everything under control. You fear that if you admit to struggling, I’ll offer you advice that feels impossible to follow.
The Truth About Parenting
Here’s the truth: I do have thoughts about you that I keep to myself, because I doubt you’ll hear them.
I want to tell you that you’re being too hard on yourself. It’s clear to anyone that you love your kids deeply and are putting in tremendous effort. I wish I could urge you to take a step back, to stop exhausting yourself in search of the perfect parenting approach.
I understand those moments when you feel frustrated with your kids—they can be delightful little monsters at times. It’s okay to feel that way!
Prioritizing Your Well-Being
I want you to know that it’s perfectly fine to cut back on your child’s activities to carve out some time for yourself. While I often suggest reducing their commitments for their sake—because children are often overscheduled—I also want you to understand how vital it is to prioritize your own well-being. You don’t need to wear yourself out to be a good mother.
Your children love you, even when they’re being rude. No one else can fill your unique role as a mother, which is central to their identity development.
I want to assure you that you are enough. You possess what it takes to be the loving, engaged mother you aspire to be—and you often already are. I have great respect for you and recognize the strength in your efforts.
When you gaze at your child with love, it’s truly a beautiful sight.
I want you to know that we are in this together.
A Shared Experience
Did you know I have another secret? It works both ways. I live in your community and often wonder what you think of me when you see me juggling my own children in the aisles of the grocery store. It’s a chaotic scene, and I worry if you’ll trust my guidance when my kids are misbehaving. I wonder if you believe I have everything together or if you’d find comfort in knowing that I don’t. If I revealed that, would it help you?
I want you to know my children are my joy as well.
Key Qualities for Your Kids
If I could share two key qualities that make a significant difference for your kids, they would be presence and curiosity. Mothers who are genuinely present with their children fulfill a deep human need for authentic connection. Mothers who embrace curiosity tend to understand their children in exceptional ways and ultimately discover the support they need.
I’m your pediatrician, and I have a secret. Don’t tell anyone.
Further Reading
For more insights, check out this piece on home insemination kits, or if you’re interested in the journey of motherhood, visit Make a Mom, an excellent resource on the topic. Additionally, Facts About Fertility provides valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination.
In Summary
In summary, parenting can be overwhelming, but you are doing better than you think. Embrace your journey, take care of yourself, and remember that your love for your children is what truly matters.