✨ SELF-CARE TIP TUESDAY ✨
When I became a Mama for the first time in 2008, I immediately felt inadequate in every way. I thought I had to be the perfect Mom and I constantly measured my success by comparing myself to other Moms. I also thought the instincts would kick in automatically and I’d become a pro at this motherhood thing.
Instead, I realized I was failing in nearly every way, everyday.
Was I holding her right?
Why can’t we figure out breastfeeding?
Did I feed her too much? Or not enough?
Why is she crying all the time?
Is her poop supposed to look like that?
How can I survive on no sleep?
I’m sure I’m not alone in this….right? 🙂 It took me a long time to figure out that my babies didn’t need me to be perfect. They just needed me to love them and the rest would fall into place.
Here are just a few ways to combat the myth of perfection:
1. Commit to be a lifelong student of your child. You are getting to know a new person and they are getting to know you and their world. Neither of you will know what you’re doing! Stay flexible, don’t be afraid to learn something new!
2. Go ahead and know that you will blow it sometimes. Motherhood has been my biggest teacher in humility. I never knew how much patience I lacked or that I had a temper before having kids. I’ve had to swallow my pride and apologize to my kids MANY times and more to come. Grace upon grace up on grace.
3. Don’t compare your mothering to someone else’s. It’s not worth it. You were made to be the Mama for your kids – they need YOU! When you try to measure up to others, you will constantly feel inadequate.
4. LAUGH! My children are my biggest joy and they constantly make me smile and laugh. Let loose, have fun and enjoy these days!
