Yeah, yeah, yeah. That’s what we all say. “I’m not good at being a mother.” I’ve said it to myself and I’ve heard others say it too.
In fact, I remember saying to myself many times, “I DID NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS.” I often said it my in the earlier mom years when My Man was gone a lot (and by a lot I mean from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) trying to finish school. My kidlets were all very young and spreading toys everywhere and wetting beds or diapers regularly.
But the longer I continue to be a mom the more I realize that I did sign up for this. And it’s okay. I like being a mom. I’m getting better at accepting the ups and downs of the job.
But why do we constantly banter ourselves and somehow feel we don’t measure up to the Mother of the Year? Why do we let the downs of this job overpower the good? Why don’t we give ourselves credit for the good things we do each day, no matter how it compares to the other moms we see around?
So here’s my boost of confidence for you (and ME):
If at anytime in our mothering we have done some of these things then we good at being mothers.
You are and always will be a good mother if you have ever . . .
Cleaned up vomit in the middle of the night.
Told a child “no” for their own good when you really wanted to say “yes”.
Fed a baby at 3:00 a.m.
Held a child’s hand.
Didn’t sleep in on Saturday so you could get a head start.
Did sleep in on Saturday so that you’d be a happier momma.
Remembered their birthdays.
Gave your child a hug.
Told them you love them.
Looked into their eyes and listened to them talk.
That is all it really takes. A little effort, a day at a time. There’s nothing in there about having perfectly matched outfits, brilliant children, or shiny, untouched floors. In motherhood, the small things are often the BIG things. We try and we love them each day, and sometimes in our lives that’s the best we can do.
The small things really do matter after all. Don’t give up on the small things.
