Yesterday, I felt like *that* mom....
You know... the mom who is standing in the parking lot with her arms full of bags while her toddler is on the ground throwing a temper tantrum. The mom who let her kid eat a Starbucks pastry for breakfast because she was just too tired to make something healthy. The mom who let her kid watch probably one too many episodes of Sesame Street just for a little extra dinner prep time. The mom who just can't wait for bedtime.
Yesterday, that was me.
Jennifer at Our Muddy Boots shared a post yesterday that really spoke to me. She brought up a great point - that often bloggers seem to have this perfect life.... a Pinterest-esque motherhood 100% of the time. That's not true. Sure, I share our delicious super-healthy recipes, and our all-natural bath/beauty products, and our fun toddler activities here. But there are definitely days where we order pizza, use store-bought bath/beauty products, and let Charlie watch too much TV.
And that's OK.
I don't want my readers to think I don't make parenting mistakes. I do. We all do. At the end of the day, what's important is that you and your child(ren) know that you love them and that you're doing your very best.
How can you cope with those stressful days? Here's my suggestion...
When the day is over and the kids are in bed, make yourself a cup of tea (or pour a glass of wine) and make a list of all the things that you did "right" that day for your child. Even if the only thing on that list is "I said I love you", then you did a rockin' job! Put the day to rest, enjoy your beverage and quiet time, and sleep well knowing that your child is loved and that tomorrow is another day.
Yeah... I was THAT mom yesterday. My husband and I wanted to listen to a live webinar about internet marketing so the kids went in front of the TV. I try really hard not to do that, but when there is no real babysitter to be had, sometimes the electronic one has to do.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post Leah, its nice to now I'm not alone. I swear lately it feels like I'm always " that " Mom. Life with an almost two year can be pretty hectic and exhausting at times!
ReplyDeleteYes. I could have written this same thing. So so true.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Leah! I have been there so many times! Mine are 3 and 4, so we have our challenging days, but I always try to remind myself that they are so worth it and I'm going to miss these days when my kids are grown and I can't be "that mom."
ReplyDeleteI have those days more often than I like to admit! Thanks for your honesty.
ReplyDeleteAaaah, good reminders! We're all in the thick of the madness at some point! My family makes goals each month. My 4 year old's goal for march is to have 5 temper-tantrum free days! Wish us luck! :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a sweet post! These days my solution is to go to bed as soon as my little one does. Everyone's happier when Mama is rested. :)
ReplyDeleteI am so thankful for posts like these. They remind me that I'm not alone in my struggles. There are definitely days (like yesterday) where I need to hear that someone else is experiencing the same thing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love this post. There are days where we eat out or order in (like yesterday) and though I know the money could be better used on something else or that maybe it wasn't the healthiest, or Natalia watched too much tv, in the end, it's SO important to focus on what went right rather than wrong. thanks for the little reminder. ;)
ReplyDelete