Have you had or are you having one of those days, weeks, or even months where you’re a momma who doesn’t feel like she’s doing enough? Can I take this moment to remind you that YOU ARE enough? That getting bogged down by To-Do lists, unhinged by sinks full of dishes, and tight-smiling through the dinners your family may not appreciate is normal? Because it is.
Sidenote: I recently served a casserole to my family that my six-year-old said is, “meant for dead people.” Yep. That eventful recipe that I clearly botched earned the title, “The-Casserole-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named” by my kids. At least they’re reading Harry Potter books, right?
And, all parents, EVERYWHERE, have similar moments that bring them down too? It’s true. Parenting is hard. Hands down, regardless of the shape, size, or unique blend, raising a family is HARD.
And, can I just add this… we are all doing ENOUGH.
All parents go through moments of being overwhelmed and feeling underprepared. We are ALL trying really hard at keeping our tiny humans alive. It’s not easy keeping them fed and stay on top of everything. Schoolwork, sports schedules, demands of family, work, and unexpected emergencies that spring up out of nowhere get thrown in too! Sometimes, parenting feels like walking blindfolded and barefoot through a corridor, littered with Lego pieces.
So, when you’re down, not feeling like you’re the best parent you could be, remind yourself you are. When I get into a parenting funk, I try to remind myself of a few things that bring me back to momma-warrior status. These tips are my go-to’s that help me regroup; I hope they help you too.
Go to Bed
If you find your moments of parenting-doubt seem most active in the evening, maybe it’s a cue that you are done for the day. Put down the laundry, stop planning meals for the remainder of the week, and GO. TO. BED. Getting in a bit of extra sleep is often the best remedy when feeling less than amazing.
Go to God
Whatever your spiritual beliefs may be, tapping into them when your tank is empty is a great way to refuel. Meditation, prayer, attending a religious service, however you worship, take the time to acknowledge your beliefs and connect with them.
I love to pray and get closer to God, when times are tough and when times are good. As a momma on the go, it can be hard to go to bible studies with other women. I’ve found this amazing Proverbs 31 online bible study that touches my soul and helps me to dig in deeper with my relationship with HIM.
Go Away
Yep! Mom’s vacay time! If you look forward to grocery shopping because it means you get an hour away from your family, momma, it is time for a getaway! If you can, try for a weekend without kids. Not possible? How about an evening alone while the kids are with friends or family? Or sitting at a coffee shop reading your favorite book for an hour? Get away from the to-do’s and have a few moments of just being with you.
Go Play
Sometimes, the best way to get over a parenting funk is just to let go of the undone chores and play with your kids. Honestly! Being silly and blowing milk bubbles with kids is just as fun if you’re surrounded by mess or in a tidy room. And the giggles feel just as good.
You’ve made it this far momma! Give yourself the credit you deserve and take stock of what you have done, not what is waiting for you to finish. There will always be more tasks that need tending to, so don’t forget to acknowledge how much you’ve already done. And you are always enough!
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