You know that nagging feeling in the back of your mind? You can’t quite put your finger on it, but something doesn’t feel right. And then it hits you like a ton of bricks: you’re experiencing Mom guilt. What is Mom guilt, you ask? Well, let me tell you from another Mom’s point of view. Mom guilt is that voice in your head that tells you you’re not good enough as a Mom. It can be caused by anything and everything, from working outside the home to forgetting to pack your child’s lunchbox. No matter what the cause may be, one thing is for sure: Mom guilt is real, and it’s here to stay.
At its core, Mom guilt is rooted in unrealistic ideals of what it means to be a perfect Mom. Whether you’re a stay-at-home or working Mom, there are certain expectations placed upon us by society that can cause us to feel inadequate as Mothers. While these unrealistic ideals may never go away completely, it’s important that we recognize them for what they are and strive to move beyond them.
The idea of a perfect Mom is unrealistic, and as Mothers we must learn to be kinder to ourselves. No one’s perfect, and if you find yourself experiencing Mom guilt, remember that it’s normal–and more importantly, it’s manageable. With some self-reflection and a positive attitude, you can work through the guilt and come out stronger on the other side. So don’t let your Mom guilt hold you back–you are an amazing Mom, no matter what!
Finally, it’s important to remember that Mom guilt isn’t limited to just Mothers. Other caregivers, and of course dads, can also experience this feeling of inadequacy and unrealistic expectations–so don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it. Together, we can all work towards understanding and accepting our own unique roles as caregivers, flaws and all.
We actually have a group of Mom’s and Dad’s that are fully focused on being better every single day…not in a stressy way, but in a way that is sustainable and supported by the whole group. If you want to join and see what it’s about, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/236961360545991 We’ll see you on the inside!
This article was written by one of our Cutting Edge Members, the amazing Jennifer Van Pamel, so make sure you look her up if you’re wanting to talk about Mom Guilt.
