Reward yourself this Mother's Day
It is so easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to others, especially as a mother. Growing up, my mother was one of those mums who constantly was on the go and super organized. It felt like she was constantly on top of everything. I really admire her for it. However, I find it hard to not compare myself to her standards, as well as other mums around me or the tips and tricks I read online. I am guessing plenty of other mums can relate to this.
So this Mother’s day give yourself the gift of self appreciation. Try to see yourself through your kid’s eyes! Remember you can’t be everything to everyone! You will have your strengths and weaknesses. Take time this Mother’s day to sit down and write yourself a letter highlighting all the things (big or small) you know you do well and then note down all the things you try really hard to do or give your kids but just never seems to go right. This second part is really important as you should give yourself twice as much credit for the aspects you keep trying and failing at. And for those who need to hear it, a poem we wanted to share with you - YOU’RE A GOOD MUM!:
To the Mum who's breastfeeding: way to go! It really is an amazing gift to give your baby, for any amount of time that you can manage! You're a good Mum.
To the Mum who's formula feeding: isn't science amazing! To think there was a time when a baby with a mother who couldn't produce enough would suffer, but now? Better living through chemistry! You're a good Mum.
To the cloth diapering Mum: Fluffy bums are the cutest, and so friendly on the bank account. You're a good Mum.
To the disposable diapering Mom: Damn those things hold a lot, and it's excellent to not worry about leakage and laundry! You're a good Mum.
To the Mum who stays home: I can imagine it isn't easy doing what you do, but to spend those precious years with your babies must be amazing. You're a good Mum.
To the Mum who works: It's wonderful that you're sticking to our career, you're a positive role model for your children in so many ways, it's fantastic. You're a good Mum.
To the Mum who had to feed her kids from the drive thru all week because you're too worn out to cook or go grocery shopping: You're feeding your kids, and hey, I bet they aren't complaining! Sometimes sanity can indeed be found in a red box with a big yellow M on it. You're a good Mum.
To the Mum who gave her kids a home-cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner for the past week: Excellent! Good nutrition is important, and they're learning to enjoy healthy foods at an early age, a boon for the rest of their lives. You're a good Mum.
To the Mum with the kids who are sitting quietly and using their manners in the fancy restaurant: kudos, it takes a lot to maintain order with children in a place where they can't run around. You're a good Mum.
To the Mum with the toddler having a meltdown in the cereal aisle: they always seem to pick the most embarrassing places to lose their minds, don't they? We've all been through it. You're a good Mum.
Above all this Mother’s day, take a breath, and look at the beautiful little (or big and almost fully grown) creation you brought into this world. You created a family, you’re raising a whole other person and you’re doing an amazing job!
Wishing you Super women, Happy Mother's Day 2022.
Contributed by Harriet O’Shea
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