The Truth About Mom Guilt
This post is not a how-to, a guide for best practices, or even an educational resource. It’s just me sharing about the struggles of being a mom, particularly one struggle that I’m sure as moms we all share. Mom Guilt.
Being a mom is hard. I think this is something that is universally known, but just in case it’s not, it’s a freaking battle!
You are responsible for another human being. A growing and developing person that is relying on you for literally everything.
It’s a lot to take on.
You have an abundance of pressure thrust upon your shoulders to make sure they are healthy, happy, on track mentally, emotionally, and physically. It’s a responsibility that takes over your identity.
Your whole world becomes revolved around them.
Are they eating enough? Are they hitting all their developmental milestones? Should I be making their food from scratch? Is it okay to give them that store-bought Mac n’ cheese? Are there too many preservatives? Should I be buying only organic? Is the lotion I’m getting good for their skin?
The list goes on and on.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. The information in this post is for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice in any way. I am not liable for any damages resulting from using the information in this article. Please consult a doctor for your medical advice.
When you are a single mom you feel an extra obligation to provide the love and care of two parents in one. Almost as though you have to compensate or they might feel that absence.
At least this is how I feel at times. I know my child feels loved and he is a very happy little boy, but being a single parent by choice, I can’t help but have that feeling creep into my head from time to time.
Guilt is a hard enough emotion as it is, but I’m telling you, Mom Guilt hits differently. I think because it’s not just about you, but the responsibility you feel to be everything to this wonderful person you brought into your life.
I’m a proud, confident, independent person. Most of the time I know I’m doing my best to be a good worker, person, friend, family member, and especially a good mom, but there are times when I second guess that last one.
When that tiny human breaks down into tears when the nanny picks him up to bring him to play and learn in his room and he looks at me with tears welling in his eyes and outstretched arms to me…mom guilt.
When I’m sitting at the kitchen table working on my computer and he comes and grabs my arm and pulls it away from the keyboard so he can come and crawl up on my lap to get my attention…mom guilt.
When I need to decompress and get lost in my phone scrolling and then look up to see him playing by himself (perfectly content), but then I realize I just spent 20 minutes on my phone that could have been spent being present with my son…mom guilt.
When his eczema flares up and even though I’m applying the ointments and lotioning him religiously, he’s still scratching and I feel like I should be doing more to help him…mom guilt.
My kid is happy and healthy. He’s smart and funny, sweet and energetic. I’m confident that I’ve been doing a great job so far, but that doesn’t negate that the mom guilt is real and present on a regular basis.
I’m coming to accept that it just goes with the territory. I know I’m not alone in having these feelings. I suspect that pretty much every mom out there can connect with this internal struggle.
I think it’s becoming more common and comfortable for moms to talk about, but it still feels like a vulnerability or weakness, which can be hard to share.
I’m sure you’ve seen videos, posts, and memes out there that use humor to share the struggles of motherhood. I, myself, share and create this content.
I think it helps us to communicate and connect about our shared experiences of motherhood while taking the edge off with some comedic relief. It helps us to feel seen and understood.
But don’t be afraid to be real about it too. It doesn’t always have to be done with humor.
Making connections and sharing our experiences and struggles helps us to be stronger, better moms. Motherhood can feel isolating at times, which is why I think it’s important to find those connections, community, and fellow warriors to help us battle through or at the very least commiserate with.
The mom guilt is real, but sharing and connecting helps to ease the strain.
Cheers, Warriors!
I hope you enjoyed reading this post and found it entertaining, educational, inspiring—hopefully, all three. Please be sure to leave any comments or questions you have in the Comments section below.
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