Recently, I found myself missing my son’s award ceremony, and the guilt hit me hard. It’s a real thing—mom guilt. I wanted to be there for him, yet I recognized that I was completely burnt out. Life, work, and the chaos of parenting had taken their toll, and I desperately needed a moment to recharge. So, I decided to steal away for a quick run to clear my mind before diving back into my hectic schedule.
The next day, a few fellow moms inquired about my absence. I hesitated and told them I was working. To my surprise, I felt even more ashamed for wanting to carve out just one hour for myself—something I like to call a mental health break.
Later that afternoon, I found myself frustrated for hiding my truth. How had I reached a point where taking care of myself felt like a betrayal? Why do we, as women, feel guilty about prioritizing our own needs? It’s not selfish; it’s self-care. I was upset that I felt the need to conceal my desire for some personal time.
That evening, I took to social media to share my experience and the liberating feeling I had from taking that time for myself. I knew some might view my choice as selfish, but I felt it was important to own my truth and share it with others. I wanted fellow mothers to understand that it’s perfectly acceptable to say “no” to our kids sometimes and “yes” to ourselves. It’s crucial to fill our own cups when life feels overwhelming.
A wise friend reminded me that caring for ourselves ultimately benefits our children. I have no regrets about missing that award ceremony, nor do I regret sharing my story online. I encourage other women to embrace the same mindset. Whether you’re a single mom, a stay-at-home mom, or juggling a demanding job, your kids don’t need you at every single event—be it book fairs, concerts, or sports games. They simply need you to be present at home and to help them learn to love themselves.
It’s not about being everything for everyone else while neglecting your own needs. My son knows he is loved and appreciated every single day, and that’s what truly matters. In this age of social media, it’s essential for parents to be focused on what’s right for their families rather than worrying about societal expectations.
The choice I made wasn’t just a parenting decision; it was a self-care choice that I plan to uphold as my children grow and their activities multiply. We can’t continually prioritize others over ourselves. We have this one life, this one moment, to shape our experiences.
Will we keep putting everyone else first, or will we finally start nurturing ourselves? Yes, we have obligations and responsibilities, but that shouldn’t mean losing ourselves in the process of motherhood. If we don’t embrace and enjoy our own lives, how can we teach our children to do the same?
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what others think about our choices or parenting styles. If you need time for yourself, take it. You deserve it just as much as anyone else.
By the way, if you’re interested in exploring ways to expand your family, check out our guide on at-home insemination kits, including some helpful resources like this and this. For more information on the insemination process, visit Mayo Clinic’s resource.
Summary
It’s essential for mothers to prioritize self-care without guilt. Taking time for ourselves helps us become better parents. We must recognize that it’s perfectly okay to say “no” to our children and “yes” to ourselves. This self-love is crucial for our well-being and ultimately benefits our kids.
Keyphrase: prioritizing self-care in motherhood
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]