Perfect Mom

A lot of moms say they’re stressed out. Is it any wonder why? They’re driving themselves into the ground, chasing a standard of perfection no one could possibly meet.

A lot of you know what I’m talking about. You’re a fulltime employee outside the home … a job you go to only once you’ve gotten your children up, fed, and off to school. And when you get home that night, you’re still on the clock. If you’re not cooking dinner or helping your children with homework, you’re probably driving somebody to their soccer practice or dental appointment.

You’re also expected to be an expert on … well, everything. From allergies to bedtime issues to problems with childhood friends, the perfect mom has got it all figured out. And you feel guilty that you don’t.

Here’s an idea: make a list of everything you do every day and pay attention to how you talk to yourself about those things. If your inner dialogue is critical or judgmental, ask yourself these questions: Would you talk that way to your best friend? How about your daughter? Would you criticize or judge her for not being a perfect mom?

If your answer is no, then pay attention to how you’re talking to yourself. Give yourself the same grace that you’d give other women. To be the “perfect” mom, you don’t have to be perfect at all … only present and engaged in the lives of your children.