With all the different ways there are to mother, it’s sometimes hard to stop comparing and accept the way we choose to do things. But we’ve got to stop the comparison game. Here are some tips for accepting yourself as a mom–strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.
There are hundreds of different types of moms out there. Okay, there are actually probably billions. Because in all reality, each and every mom is different.
We all have different likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, priorities and things we refuse to take part in.
We live in different places, have different religious beliefs, and–perhaps most importantly–have different kids.
All these things–and many more–combine to make us into the mom that we are.
The Comparison Game
But what if we don’t like the mom we are?
What if we look at all the other moms and can’t help feeling like we’re less than, or like our differences make us weak?
With social media such a big part of our lives these days, the comparison game is strong. It seems to be the norm for us to look at what we’re not doing rather than noticing all that we are doing.
But can we change this? Can we accept who are wholeheartedly and let the rest go?
I think we can. I don’t think it’s easy, but I think it’s possible. And here’s how:
Make a list of priorities.
First, we can write out the things we find important. We shouldn’t add anything to this list that we think we should find important. Or that someone told us was important. Or that’s important to our mom. We should only list things that are important to us, personally.
Then once we have that list, let’s take a deep breath and let go of the rest. We no longer need to feel guilt for not doing something that isn’t on that list. Because that thing isn’t for us. And that’s okay.
It’s impossible to do everything. It’s even impossible to do half the things. We only have so much time and money and energy. So we just need to focus on what’s important to us and our families.
The cool thing about life is that we’re all different, so what we don’t do, someone else will. If it’s not a priority for us to volunteer at the pet shelter, cool. It’ll be important to someone else, and they’ll make it happen. If we don’t understand sports, great. Someone else does and they’ll play them and sign their kids up to do the same. If we don’t know (or care) how to cook with fresh-from-the-farm ingredients, fine. Someone else does and will keep the farm in business.
We need to choose our priorities and stick to those. Then put on our blinders on and don’t worry about what everyone else is doing. I know, easier said than done. But every small effort takes us one step closer to self-acceptance.
Accept What We Bring to the Table
Is there something that makes your family unique? What are your talents and strengths? Is there something you do that your kids love? What makes you feel alive?
Let’s focus on those. It does nobody any good to focus on where we feel we lack. Instead, let’s look at the things we excel in.
- Are you really good at making your kids laugh when they had a bad day?
- Do you make the best breakfast or cookies or pasta on the planet?
- Are you super organized?
- Do you know how to turn everything into a fun game?
- Does listening to your kids come really easy to you?
- Is your house known as the fun house?
- Do you throw awesome parties?
- Is your house always clean?
- Do you love coming up with daily workouts to do as a family?
- Does your family always look like they’re ready for a photo session?
- Are you a really dedicated homeschool mom?
You bring something special to your home, and whatever type of mom you are is the perfect type of mom for your kids.
Stop Comparing
So let’s make a pact to try our hardest to stop comparing. Instead, let’s accept who we are–strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.
[bctt tweet=”There are hundreds of types of moms out there. Actually, billions, because in reality, every mom is different. So let’s make a pact to stop comparing. Instead, let’s accept who we are–strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.” username=”colormyhappy”]
Our kids love us and think we’re doing an amazing job. And that’s good enough.
What type of mom are you? Let me know in the comments below!
Britney is a wife and mom with a passion for helping other women see the good inside of them. She loves podcasts, polka dots, and dancing around the kitchen with her family.