Today’s mothers feel an enormous amount of pressure to do it all or “OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!”
Well, you can just tell that imaginary Queen of Hearts to go shove that cup of tea up you know what!
Even with my educational background in early childhood development and my passion for teaching children, I STILL struggle in finding balance.
However, I know I am not alone. Through the incredible community of mothers I have surrounded myself with on social media, and our friendships, I realize there is an epidemic of unrealistic “perfectionism” on the rise.
A vast majority of mothers today feel they are inadequate and never do ENOUGH because society’s expectations of what our roles should entail.
Stay at home mom? FAILED
Working mom? FAILED
Didn’t cook? FAILED
Didn’t clean the house? FAILED
Lost your patience and yelled at the children? FAILED
The laundry hamper is never empty? FAILED
Got home from work/school and feel too exhausted to play with the children? FAILED
You suddenly became ill? FAILED
Why don’t I look like an unrealistic image portrayed by media? FAILED
Needed to finish homework, work projects, assignments or just wanted 10 minutes to yourself and resorted to extra screen time for your children? FAILED
Your children’s attire do not resemble GAP model ads? FAILED
Your toddler can’t read, spell, come up with scientific theories? FAILED
Your baby can’t walk, talk, eat with a spoon? FAILED
You breastfed too short or too long? FAILED
You bottle fed? FAILED
Your child is on a vegetable strike? FAILED
Your grade schooler is falling behind? FAILED
Your teenager has no aspirations? FAILED
Since the scenarios are endless, I’ll reel it in.
Why do we as mothers, hold ourselves to such ridiculous standards? Don’t you realize how you strive and give your best day after day?
Here comes the cake topper! Instead of encouraging and supporting one another, we tend to judge.
Even worse, we compare, and we all know comparison is the thief of joy.
Here is a thought to ponder.
Each mommy has embarked on their own journey of motherhood. We all have distinctive paths and roads that unravel differently.
Your journey of motherhood will gift you with a source of wisdom and expertise that has the potential to aide another mother. In retrospect, don’t we all need each other?
Research indicates that social media can have a negative/devastating impact on society. However, if used as a tool and platform to inspire/encourage/support, the outcome can be positively powerful.
I am blessed to be virtually surrounded by incredible mothers. I personally have made it a goal to know all these amazing women on a deeper level. Each one of them are daily sources of love and encouragement. They fill my feed with laughter, joy, wisdom and love.
If I come across a post detailing that it’s been a rough day, it’s instinctive to offer a few words to uplift or an inspirational quote. You have no idea what season and battle a mother is facing.
Newborn babies, rambunctious toddlers, illnesses, sleepless nights, tantrums, school issues, teenage dilemmas, are a few to mention.
If I see a mom struggling with her toddler’s tantrum at let’s say, the grocery store, I offer a look of “Oh mama, I understand!” Followed by a smile. You have no idea how much that little act of simply letting her know “It’s ok, I’ve been here too” can change her perspective.
Compassion is key and words of positive affirmations are powerful.
If today you feel like you failed, remind yourself how you endlessly give to your loved ones.
YOU ARE ENOUGH.
YOU HAVE PURPOSE.
YOU ARE BRAVE.
YOU ARE STRONG.
YOU ARE INTELLIGENT.
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.
YOU ARE CAPABLE.
YOU ARE LOVED.
YOU ARE AN INCREDIBLE MOTHER.
YOU ARE DOING AN ASTONISHING JOB.
YOU ARE THE DEFINITION OF PERSEVERANCE.
YOU ARE EVERYTHING TO YOUR FAMILY.
Motherhood is meant to test your capabilities, shape and transform you in unimaginable ways. To be a mother is to evolve.
This … just all of this…exactly what I needed. You are an amazing inspiration. Thank you. Thank you.