A Letter to Moms: You're Doing a Great Job, Don't Let Guilt Tell You Otherwise

Dear fellow moms,

Do you ever find yourself lying in bed at night, replaying the day's events and second-guessing your every decision as a mom?

Did you snap at your toddler for spilling their milk... again?

Did you miss your work deadline because of a last-minute school pickup?

If so, welcome to the club, mama.

You've officially been initiated into the world of mom guilt.

Unmasking Mom Guilt:

Mom guilt is that relentless inner critic that questions every decision we make as mothers. It's the feeling that we're constantly failing, no matter how hard we try. It's the worry that our kids are missing out because we're working, or that our careers are suffering because we're moms.

But here's the secret: we all feel it.

It's the universal language of motherhood, spoken in hushed tones and knowing glances.

Embracing the Imperfect:

Let's be real, there's no such thing as a perfect mom in the real world. We're all just winging it, hoping for the best, and making it up as we go along. And that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay.

It's authentic.

It's relatable.

And it's what makes us human.

So let's ditch the guilt and embrace the beautiful chaos that is motherhood.

Strategies for Taming the Guilt Monster:

1. Be Your Own Biggest Fan: Instead of beating yourself up, try building yourself u. Celebrate your wins, big and small. Did you pack a healthy lunch for your kids and/or yourselfp? Pat yourself on the back! Did you nail that presentation at work? You go, girl!
2. Prioritize Like a Pro: You can't do it all, and that's okay. Make a list of your priorities and focus on what matters most. It's okay to say no to things, delegate tasks, and ask for help.
3. Create Memories, Not Minutes: Quality time > quantity, every time. Instead of stressing about how much time you spend with your kids, focus on making the most of the time you do have. Have a dance party in the kitchen, build a fort in the living room, or simply cuddle up and read a book together. They will remember those moments when they grew up - when their mom played with them, and not how long you spent with them.
4. Talk It Out: Don't be afraid to have an honest conversation with your boss about your workload and schedule or with your partner about your household responsibilities. Explore options for flexible work arrangements or additional support. Remember, you're not just a mom, you're a valuable employee and person in your own right.
5. Find Your Mom Squad: Surround yourself with other moms who get it. Share your struggles, offer support, and build a community of women who lift each other up. You can try joining Facebook Groups or reaching out to the mothers in your children’s school.
6. Fill Your Cup: Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential. Make time for activities that recharge you, whether it's taking a long bath, going for a run, walking your dog, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning. Remember, you can't pour from an empty cup.

Mom guilt is a common experience, but it doesn't have to define you.

By shifting your perspective, setting realistic expectations, and prioritizing self-care, you can manage mom guilt and create a more fulfilling and joyful life for yourself and your family.

So go ahead, mama, give yourself a break. You deserve it.

With love,

Lauren