Oh, Mama, I understand where you’re coming from. You’re being hard on yourself, questioning your abilities, and letting those negative thoughts take hold. You might be thinking: I’m such a bad mom. I’m failing my children.
And maybe you feel justified in saying that. Perhaps today, you lost your cool and raised your voice at your daughter. Maybe you reacted impulsively and punished your son. Or perhaps you let the TV run all afternoon just to get a moment to breathe, cook, clean, or simply maintain your sanity. You might have even resorted to serving a dinner of Raisin Bran with Parmesan cheese, hot dogs, and ketchup.
I know, it feels like you’re not good enough.
But here’s the truth: if you were genuinely a bad mom, you wouldn’t care at all. You wouldn’t feel concerned about things like healthy eating or the need to enrich your child’s life with constant engagement. You wouldn’t worry that your words might hurt them irreparably. You wouldn’t find yourself hiding in a closet while your child plays nearby, overwhelmed by guilt. You wouldn’t feel the need to apologize.
In fact, it’s your very feelings of doubt and remorse that show you are a loving mother. They reveal your deep, selfless care for your child and your desire to do right by them.
So, when you’re feeling down, remember this: a few chicken nuggets will not harm your child, nor will a couple of cartoons. You might not always be proud of your choices—everyone makes mistakes—but maybe those mistakes are merely learning opportunities. They can help you grow, strengthen your relationship with your children, and ultimately make you a better woman, partner, friend, and mother.
You are enough. You are doing enough. Despite any perceived failures, you are a good mom, a great mom.
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In summary, motherhood is filled with ups and downs, and it’s natural to feel overwhelmed at times. However, it’s important to recognize that your love and care for your children shine through, even in imperfect moments. You are doing your best, and that is what truly matters.