Dealing With Mom Guilt – No one said being a mom would be easy, simply that it would be worth it. However, those reassuring words aren’t quite so comforting when life is throwing everything at you while you’re feeling your worst. Learn how to be gentle with yourself and gain some comfort right here on Newsymom!
This informational campaign comes to you in partnership with the Stark County Community Action Agency.
One of the worst things that spring up when you enter motherhood are all the feelings of GUILT.
You feel guilt when you go back to work.
You feel guilt when your kids want to play with you.
You feel guilt when you pull out the iPad.
Or when you feed them unhealthy snacks. Or when you want a bubble bath. Or when you order pizza. Or when you’re cleaning up the endless messes.
Take a minute. Stop. Breathe.
These vicious thoughts are you being SO hard on yourself, momma. Why?
Causes of Mom Guilt
The world around us shapes everything we do. There are so many factors that make these feelings of inadequacy worse. For example:
- Spend time with your children, but get up and get to work. Be productive.
- Limit screen time, but make sure your kids watch educational programs.
- Make sure your kids eat healthy meals and get exercise, but also make sure your house is spotless.
Do you see the endless cycle of contradictions we’re exposed to?
When you’re deep in the feelings of guilt, remember…
Like Mufasa says in The Lion King, “Remember who you are…” Look yourself in the mirror and say back to yourself these positive affirmations:
I am a bad mama-jama.
I work my butt off to provide a HOME for my children.
I give the kids the iPad because, yes, I need a little ME time. That’s not selfish, it’s a need.
I order the pizza delivery because it makes my kids SO happy. I know they’ll actually eat it and have full bellies at the end of the night.
I MAKE bigger messes while playing with my kids because I know I’ve got them for only 18 summers before they’re fully exposed to the big, scary world out there.
Momma, you’ve got this. You may worry if your kids will turn out alright, but take a look at your kids right now. Are they happy?
Odds are, the answer’s yes. So, be gentle with yourself.
Need more of this mom positivity in your life?
If so, the SCCAA Community Actions Pathway HUB is available for pregnant and new mothers in need of support, education, and community services. Momma, if you need a helping hand, just reach out and grab it!
Melissa Klatt
Reporting