If you’re a mom, there’s a topic you have thought about, talked about and probably also worried about – mom guilt. As moms, we often feel guilty for not being perfect or for not doing enough for our children.
Whether it’s because we work outside of the home or struggle with the balance of SAHM life, mom guilt can be overwhelming and exhausting. It’s easy to feel like you’re keeping too many balls in the air – and not doing a great job of it – but it’s important to remember that being a mom is work and it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s ok to not have all the answers or know all the next steps.
To help you overcome some of those feelings of guilt in motherhood, our social workers have compiled 5 simple ways you can shake off the guilt and feel confident and happy!
1. Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
It’s easy to feel mom guilt for not spending enough time with your children, but the thing to remember is that it’s not about the amount of time you spend with them, it’s about the quality of that time.
Our kids would rather have a few hours of focused mom-time than days of scattered, burnt-out mom time. Make sure to schedule special one-on-one time with your child, where you can focus on building a strong connection and creating memories.
Even if it’s just a few minutes a day, that time you dedicate can be meaningful and impactful for both you and your child.
2. Practice Self-Care
It’s a tale as old as time, as moms we often put our own needs, desires and dreams last. However, taking care of yourselves, in whatever way re-energizes you, is essential for your mental and physical health.
This kind of focused self care is not only beneficial for us but it has a direct effect on how we are able to show up and care for our families. As they say, you can’t pour from an empty bucket!.
It’s usually in these times of depletion that the mom guilt starts to creep up. We feel overwhelmed, exhausted, rung out and that we can’t be what our kids and family needs so we think we aren’t doing enough or doing anything well.
It’s so important that you schedule time for self-care. Whether it’s a day away, a yoga class, dedicated time to a hobby or passion project or just some quiet time to read a book, taking care of yourself will help you feel more energized, focused, and confident in your role as a mom and keep those feelings of mom guilt from creeping up.
3. Seek Support
The demands put on moms these days are heavier than ever so it’s essential that we ask for help when we need it!
The first step in this is being OK with asking, being OK with saying “I need help.” This can be a challenge for a lot of us but it’s important to remember that simply asking is showing incredible strength and commitment to being the best parent you can be!
Whether you turn to your partner, family, friends, or a professional therapist, seeking support can help you overcome mom guilt and feel more confident in your parenting.
Surround yourself with people who lift you up, encourage you, and support you in your parenting journey!
4. Let Go of Perfection
Here is an actual truth – perfection is unattainable.
That doesn’t stop us from constantly striving for it though. And this race to perfect can quickly lead to guilt and burnout. Since you’re chasing something that can’t be achieved, you are setting yourself up for disappointment, so we have to reframe the way we view ourselves and motherhood.
Instead of perfection, focus on progress toward a goal, milestone or idea. Celebrate the small victories, be proud of any step forward and give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned.
Remember that mistakes and challenges are a natural part of parenting, and they provide opportunities for growth and learning.
5. Practice Gratitude
It may seem a small thing but gratitude is a powerful tool for overcoming mom guilt.
Take a few moments each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for in your life, whether it’s your children, your health, your home, or simply the opportuity to start a new day! Focusing on the positive can help shift your mindset from one of guilt and negativity to one of gratitude and appreciation.
Studies have shown that a regular gratitude practice significantly impacts the overall happiness you feel in your day to day life! Start tomorrow by jotting down a few things you are grateful for and allow those feelings to stay with you throughout your day.
We all know being the mom is never easy and dealing with guilt in motherhood makes it that much harder, but we don’t have to let it consume us!
By taking a few deliberate steps and focusing in on the parts of your life and your motherhood journey that you can control, overcoming those feelings of guilt is totally possible.
Remember, you are doing your best, showing up every day and loving your children – and that is enough.
If you’re looking for more information or resoureces please reach out to us at Beyond Speech Therapy Specialists. We can put you in touch with one of our amazing social workers and get you the support you need.
Reach out to us at (779) 435 – 0724 or send us a message HERE!