Happy Wednesday! I’m joining in on Arin and Navy’s Summer blog series where 10 bloggers share their viewpoint on the same topic. Be sure to check out all their posts linked at the end of this post. This week we’re talking about motherhood and if you strive to be the “perfect mom” or just kinda go with what you’re good at.
I’m sure the definition of a “perfect mom” is different for every person. My kids would say, the perfect mom plays with them all day, lets them have sugary treats whenever they want and never says no to new toys from Target. There are huge differences of opinion here.
Definition of perfect (according to websters online dictionary) being entirely without fault or defect: FLAWLESS a perfect diamond.
Yeah, no that’s definitely not me. When I first had kids I thought I’d be more of a “Pinterest mom” but I’m not that either. The reality is I don’t have that much free time on my hands.
I do strive to be a “good mom” and I think I am a good mom. A really good mom. I always knew I wanted kids and they make me want to be the best version of myself. They make me want to work hard to show them that they can be whatever they put their heart into. Lifes possibilities are endless.
Perfect sounds like a tall order. As a mom, I strive to:
Be intentional taking time to think before speaking and not jumping to yelling right off the bat when the kids make me angry. And they do know how to push my buttons when they want to. They are little experts in fact.
Use time blocks. Meaning manage my time between work, play, learning, chores, and such. Giving my kids dedicated time where work isn’t going to interrupt us is important to me and to them. They know it is their time with me. As a work from home mother, that piece is very important to all of us, my office is so easily accessible and always there taunting me to go get more work done.
Play! Play doesn’t necessarily mean get on the floor and play LOL dolls (whenever I try that they tell me I’m doing it wrong). Spend time doing what they want to do. Ride bikes together, play catch, take them to the playground and go down the slide together or just watch them pretend to be pirates on a ship. Whatever it is they love to do I try to be a part of it once in a while.
Let them be little. Let them make their own decisions, get dirty, and dress themselves, at least once in a while. That kinda thing.
Keep them nourished, give them healthy choices for snacks and meals. Self-explanatory, but important.
Listen and ask questions. Let them tell you all their stories ask them questions about their day. I’m convinced doing this will help keep an open line of communication when they are teenagers. I remember talking to my own mom about everything even in the teen years. I really hope this one works because, to tell you the truth, I’m so nervous to have teenaged GIRLS!
Love. Just love them unconditionally and tell them often that they are loved. Such a simple thing but hearing the words “I love you” makes such a difference in a day, at least in my heart.
so not perfect
By no means am I a perfect mom, I yell sometimes. I lose my temper. Sometimes I’m on my phone a little too much (it’s a big part of my job). Dinner is served late at least 4 days a week. My house is always a mess no matter how much I clean up and I’m always late. The list goes on…
But really in life, as Arin says, you have to pick your battles, and I’m doing a pretty good job. It’s so easy to get down on yourself and feel inadequate in this parenting thing. You are doing a great job. Don’t compare yourself to the Pinterest mom down the street, or the mom who’s children are always looking so adorable with their perfectly brushed hair and pressed outfits, or the one with the perfectly clean house (I envy her, but it’s not my life). YOU DO YOU and be badass with what YOU are good at! That will make you the perfect mom for your kids and that is what matters.
Check out these posts from the Summer Blogging Series
Arin | Navy | Kate | Holly | Jen | Theresa | Susannah
You might also like posts in Family.
