Last week I saw this on Pinterest:
Source: motherletters.com via Michelle on Pinterest
AND THEN yesterday, I read this story on MSNBC. It REALLY hit a nerve.
As moms, so often the voice we hear in our heads is a critical one. It’s a voice that reminds us of all the little things we’re failing at or not doing well enough. But what about all of the things that we’re really great at? Why can’t we think about those things more?
As I’ve stated probably 100 times here, there, and everywhere – I am far from a perfect mom. I am impatient, distracted, and at times selfish. There’s never enough time. There’s frequently yelling or disciplining. Some days I think, “Am I really cut out to be a mom?” I don’t ever regret my decision to have children, but I do wonder if I am giving them the best of me.
It really goes without saying that I would do anything (and I mean ANYTHING) for my family – but on a day to day? I give myself a C. Maybe on a REALLY good day, a B.
And it’s not even that I would change anything to be a better mom. Working outside our home makes me a better mom. Running and working out making me a better mom. Spending time with my friends makes me a better mom. Going away (alone!) with my husband makes me a better mom. Shopping (alone!) makes me a better mom.
But not a perfect, super mom. Nope. Not even close.
But, who says that’s a bad thing? The flaws my parents had have driven me to be a better person. Their mistakes make me realize that it’s OK to make them myself. To find my way. To realize that it’s OK to fail. They also give me perspective. And everyone needs a little perspective.
And you know what? I DO think I am good at some mom stuff. Great in fact.
- I can tickle two kids at once and have them in fits of laughter in seconds.
- I’m good at reading aloud. Sometimes I’ll even do voices.
- I’m a great home chef. My kids eat what I cook about 80% of the time. 90% if I bribe.
- I can sing a mean off-key lullaby and I can rock for hours.
- I give amazing hugs and kisses.
- I’m the best person to wake up for middle of the night snuggles.
- I’m really good at counting backwards from 5. (OK, maybe this isn’t a good thing)
- I’m a great shopper and outfit putter-together.
- I’m great at starting dance parties.
- I good at making faux hawks and “Princess Leia” hair.
- I’m great at pretending I don’t know the punch line to knock-knock jokes I’ve heard 100 times.
- I can make my kids smile every single day.
- My kids know I love them. Even if they will never realize how much.
Sometimes being a mom is about the little things and you know – I really, really love the little things.
What makes YOU super?
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Well, from this outsider’s perspective, you look like a great mom! I’m impressed your kids eat 80% of what you free them. I only ate about half of my moms food.
Victoria recently posted..Goodbye, First Tri
Aww thanks! Sometimes you are your own worst critic — and that STUPID mom guilt gets to you.
As for the food – I definitely learned from my parents. When they don’t think there are other options, they will eat it. Most of it.
I love this post!! So cute and so totally true about us mommas always thinking about or point out where we maybe aren’t the best. I have totally be feeling that way sometimes lately, but it’s a good reminder to think of things that I am good at when it comes to being a mom. Loving my kid being the main and most important one.
I’m also pretty good at making up silly songs. haha
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength recently posted..My One Year Old Baby Boy
What flaws?? LOL… We were perfect.. that’s why you are such a perfect person!! Enjoy your babies..whatever flaws we had/have..made you to be the Super Mom that you are with your babies! Love you.. BTW..Still working on the flaws..
Ha on being perfect. Flaws are where it’s at – perfect people are boring
Yo lady!
I have to say, as I get through the tough days and as we’re considering when we want to have a second (the timing is so tricky with the academic calendar!), I often think of you as one of the few moms I know who has two kids and a demanding job that she also really loves. Can I do it? Well, I don’t know but Michelle has, I will think. And you’ve done a lot of things as a mom that I admire – you cook, you were very dedicated to breastfeeding, you are laid-back, and your kids seem fun and to love being around you and your hubby.
I also give great hugs and kisses, btw. I think this is definitely a very important parenting skill.
Nicole recently posted..Livin’ the Dream
I really hate figuring out timing! I will say that if I had to do it all over again with Livie/Braeden I would have spaced it a little more. They 2 years 9 months apart, and I really think adding a few more months would have been easier with potty training and tantrums and all of that fun stuff. But you now, you can’t plan everything and I truly believe that you find a way to make it work! As for everything else – it’s never easy, but it’s always worth it. And seeing them play together is just the best. Can you do it? Yes, 100%. In fact, like I saw you with Bob forever (remember when you guys “took a break” and I was like – dude, this is not the end, you guys are going to get married? I was so right) I see you with more than one. You are an awesome mom, Bob is an awesome dad and I know you make it work. Just one day at a time. That’s the best we can do!
The picture you found on Pinterest is so sweet!
Shannon – Healthiful Balance recently posted..I Got Marvelous In My Monday!
Um, you’re about the closest thing to a supermom as I’ve ever known. So if you sometimes feel like you’re not doing it right, then I definitely feel better about my own misgivings on my parenting. And will you come parent E when it comes to eating what I cook because the nightly battles are really wearing me down. I’m starting to get a complex about sending her to bed without dinner because of her refusal to eat dinner. I know she’s not starving but dang is she stubborn!
LOVE your list of things you’re good at. You should print that out (OK, fine, just keep a pic of it on your phone) and look at it during an inevitable low moment. You’re doing so much right!
Jackie @ MomJovi recently posted..The Ballet Recital
The fact that we aren’t perfect moms and can recognize our flaws makes us, I think, perfect moms. Does that make sense? Being the best, most super-est mom means being flexible, letting your hair go unwashed for 3 days, sitting down with the kids to enjoy an extra snuggle. It means not having everything done all at once.
I’m pretty sure you’re an awesome mom because you manage to run, blog, work, tweet, and plan a weekly menu all while seeming to enjoy it!
Megan recently posted..Life Lately: The Cliff’s Notes Version
Ain’t that the truth (about being perfect moms). It’s so much better to go through life knowing that the imperfections are what makes life more interesting!
I’ve been feeling like the worst mom ever lately. Bending down to pick up a few toys wears me out and my house looks like hell. Being due in the summer sucks.
Alecia recently posted..Protecting my turf
You are a ROCKSTAR mom! And yes, being due in the summer is HELL. BUT, having a 6-month old at Christmas is really fun. Plus, I do love having a summer birthday myself — so I guess it all evens out!
You ARE a great mom and I love this post!! I think it’s so important to appreciate all the things you do right instead of focusing on those you do wrong. Those negative voices are just everywhere, aren’t they??? We need to start thinking about how we’d feel if someone talked to someone we love the way we talk to ourselves–does that make sense??? I’m pretty sure we’d beat them senseless. It’s good to be nice to yourself!
Melissa recently posted..Sometimes, Things Just Get Real