As a parent, it feels like guilt is a constant companion. It is easy to fall into the trap of feeling guilty over every little thing.
Being a working mom? Guilt that I’m not home with my sons.
Staying home with a sick kid? Guilt that I’m not at work.
Getting annoyed when bedtime takes too long? Guilt that I’m not relishing my kids enough.
Going out on a date night? Guilt that I’m leaving my kids at home.
When I allow myself to fall into this trap, it’s a no win situation. Because those things I listed? Those are all reality.
I’m a working mom. Even worse? I’m a working mom with a side hustle. But both of those things fulfill me. They help me be a better mom and set an example for my kid.
I stay home with my sick kids. They are my number on priority. I’m grateful I have a job that enables me to stay home in those situations.
I get annoyed at bedtime more nights than not. And I still cherish the time with my sons. But, you can only hush your kids or help them go to the bathroom so many times before patience begins to slip. It doesn’t make me a bad mom. It makes me a human.
My husband and I go out on dates. We even go out of town for a few days every once in awhile. Doing so helps us stay connected as partners and adults. We also come back refreshed and in a better place to be the best parents we can for our sons.
I challenge you – the next time you begin to feel guilty about something in your parenting life, focus on the reality of the situation. Not the negative spin our brains tend to subconsciously do.
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