Life as a modern mom feels like walking a tightrope sometimes. Seems to me that whether we work or stay home (which in my mind is harder work a lot of the time), women often feel like we are falling short. On any given day I feel I am not doing enough with my girls. Letting them sit in front of screens too much, not spending enough time reading with them, or letting them spend the night with their grandparents too often. I have a long way to go in terms of getting them fed consistent, balanced meals. I don't remind them to do their school reading or practice violin near as often as I should. There is a park a couple blocks from our house and we are never there.
But that doesn't mean I am failing as a mom. I show up. I try. I drop everything I am doing if they have something on their mind. I encourage them to celebrate their individuality. I cheer on their successes and I don't shy away from their feelings - high or low. I answer their questions in age appropriate ways that are honest and as nuanced as possible. I care. I am there with a hug or a snuggle....maybe too much sometimes. I am told I put the mother in smother haha.
Motherhood isn't going to look any one way. I think that the more we focus on what we are doing right, and the more we are striving to do our best, the less we will feel inferior to the societal expectations placed upon our shoulders. It isn't realistic for us to hit it out of the park every day. All we can do is show up, be as present as we are able, and love those little stinkers.
Let's give ourselves a break, try and be kind about the areas we might fall a little short, and remember that loving and showing up for our kids is one of the most important and rewarding things we will ever do as mothers.
-Amanda
