Today was a struggle, and it feels like I really fell short as a mom.
I started the day being a bit selfish—I enjoyed my first cup of coffee before tackling the baby’s diaper change. I know, not my finest hour. I also found myself feeling weak when I lost my cool and yelled at my toddler for refusing to eat the meal I prepared. The “no’s” seemed to come out more than the “yes’s,” and I couldn’t help but feel like I was being a mean mom, speaking through clenched teeth more times than I’d like to admit.
The well-meaning advice to “enjoy every moment” often feels like a distant memory, as parenting isn’t always filled with joy and laughter. In fact, the closest I’ve come to a rainbow today was the moment the baby decided to shart out bits of crayon—definitely a day where I felt negligent.
No matter how hard I strive to embody the ideal mom, I often feel like I fall short. But I know that dwelling on my mistakes will only drive me mad. It’s essential to recognize the positives in my day too. After all, I also had some bright moments.
I was a fun mom when I built a cozy fort out of blankets and pillows. I showed patience when I waited (what felt like an eternity) for my toddler to “buckle herself in”—which really meant she just wanted me to help her. I was present when I put down my phone and cuddled with my kids on the couch, and I was compassionate as I kissed their boo-boos and hugged away their tears.
As parents, we naturally want the best for our children—not just average, but the very best. However, this can sometimes lead us to set unattainable goals for ourselves, which only results in guilt and disappointment. It’s crucial that we don’t overlook the good we accomplish amidst the chaos.
Perhaps it’s human nature to focus on the negatives. “Mommy guilt” is a common phrase, yet I wonder if “mommy pride” exists—maybe I just coined that term! We ought to take pride in our parenting journey. We brought life into this world, nurtured our children with our bodies, and have stayed awake through countless sleepless nights just to care for them. We’ve tackled some truly messy situations, but the most important thing we’ve done is to love our children unconditionally.
When we take a moment to reflect, we often find that the positives outweigh the negatives. Parenting is a continuous dance—filled with ups and downs, missteps and triumphs. It’s about staying mindful of the choices we make, holding everything together even when it feels like it might all unravel, and finding our way back to balance.
Sometimes we trip, and sometimes we soar, but we always regain our footing. If we’re fortunate, we learn to navigate this journey a little better each day.
If you’re interested in exploring more about starting your journey toward motherhood, consider checking out our post on the at-home insemination kit. For those looking for additional resources, Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo is also a great authority on this topic. Lastly, for expert guidance on fertility, visit Johns Hopkins Medicine.
In summary, while today may have had its challenges, it’s essential to recognize that amidst the difficulties, there are also moments of joy, love, and connection that define our experience as mothers.