In the pursuit of greater self-assurance in my parenting journey, I find myself grappling with a deeper sense of self-worth. It’s a challenge to hold my ground against external critiques—whether it’s about the amount of screen time my kids engage in or their choice to wear a mermaid costume during errands. I’ve learned to brush off the judgmental glances and whispered comments regarding my children’s behavior. I genuinely take pride in my decisions as a parent amidst the negativity that can sometimes surround us.
However, what took me by surprise was my reaction to a heartfelt compliment. A friend, who is also a relatively new mother, remarked that I was “an easygoing parent.” In that moment, I overreacted—not positively, but rather, I spiraled into self-doubt, perceiving her words as a veiled critique implying that I was lazy or failing in my parenting compared to her. My partner, observing my distress with a mix of patience and amusement, reassured me that her statement was straightforward; there was no hidden meaning. It was simply a compliment.
This incident made me reflect on why I struggle to accept praise. Perhaps societal norms, our experiences growing up, or the media we consume lead many of us to dismiss genuine compliments. We tend to downplay positive feedback, thinking, “Oh, my kids may seem perfect now, but you should have seen their behavior yesterday.” Or we might mutter a polite “thank you” while internally arguing, “You must be thinking of someone else’s children.”
It’s common to misinterpret well-meaning compliments from friends, family, or even strangers. When someone tells us our hair looks nice, we often assume it implies we looked unkempt before. Instead, we should recognize that they are simply acknowledging our beauty in that moment. Instead of searching for hidden meanings or listening to our inner critic, we should accept the compliment graciously and move forward with confidence.
The same principle applies to our roles as parents. If a grandparent says our kids were well-behaved during a visit, we ought to trust that observation. If someone finds it charming that our son chose to dress as a pirate for a park outing, we should embrace that sentiment. And if a kind stranger praises our parenting while managing a chaotic outing, let those words resonate within us, empowering us to continue striving in our roles.
Let us collectively commit to accepting compliments with open hearts. When someone acknowledges our efforts, whether it’s regarding our parenting, appearance, or home, we need to absorb that positivity and celebrate our achievements. We are remarkable women, embodying strength, beauty, and resilience. If someone recognizes these traits and offers a kind word, we should accept that with pride.
From this day forward, when I receive compliments about my parenting or personal qualities, I will choose to interpret them at face value, silencing the negative chatter in my mind, and responding with a heartfelt “thank you.” And maybe I’ll treat myself to an extra glass of wine in recognition of the fact that I’m doing a good job at this parenting gig.
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Summary:
Mothers often find it difficult to accept compliments, allowing self-doubt to overshadow positive feedback. Acknowledging and embracing compliments can enhance self-esteem and confidence in parenting. It’s essential to accept praise at face value, celebrating our beauty and efforts as mothers. By doing so, we empower ourselves and recognize our strength, allowing kindness to uplift our parenting journey.
Keyphrase: Accepting compliments in parenting
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