Why should I or any of my dear Mommy friends (who are great mothers) be riddled with Mommy guilt? How come 4 years ago these "guilty" thoughts never even occurred to me and today they consume my every moment? You know what I mean - anything from I can't get my kids to drink water - they down way more juice than my pediatrician recommends (6 ounces in one day are you kidding me?) Should I be a stay-at-home mom or go back to work? Should I homeschool or can public education meet the needs of my children? Do I read to my kids enough? Did I spend enough one on one time with Cooper with the other two clamouring for my attention? How many servings of vegetables did my kids eat today? Is TV rotting their brain out? Did I pick up all the Little People in Caroline's room and put them back in her dollhouse just so? I know if you are normal, and you are a mommy (I guess that's a given since we are talking about "Mommy" guilt but I wanted to clarify just in case), than most likely, you have some form of Mommy guilt. As our children get older I'm sure the scenarios change but the guilt is still the same. Ladies, why do we do this to ourselves?
I've been battling lately with the whole going back to work issue. In one way I miss the classroom and I know God gave me the gift of teaching. On the other hand, it hurts to think of my children spending more time with their teacher than their mother. Even though for our family school will probably be a better option. It hurts to make a decision either way. For some reason I want to make plans for the next 15 years when all I really need to do is take it one step at a time. I'm starting to realize that some of these issues work themselves out and I wasted a lot of energy fretting over things that never happen. As for the big picture, God is going to do what He wants to anyways, I just need to be open to it (has He not already proven that to me over and over again, why didn't I get it the first time?) Didn't He warn me in Jeremiah 29, "For I know the plans I have for you." says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope." I need to enjoy the ride and treasure the moments I have with my kids whether I am a working-mom or a stay-at-home mom. And so what if the Little People stay up late partying in Caroline's room at least she'll know a good time when she sees it. Honestly, how could I be riddled with Mommy guilt when God has given me these three, precious children who have turned out alright so far, right . . . . . right . . . . . .????
So I declare no more guilt! Who cares if my kids have 6 ounces or 60 ounces of juice, well 60 might be a little much. I'll still be a good mother whether I am working or staying at home. My kids will still turn out alright whether they are homeschooled or attend public school. So what if they eat Chick-Fil-A french fries as a serving of vegetables, potatoes are vegetables, right? As long as we place God first in our family and allow Him to guide us in our decision making and guilt-free thinking I think we'll be just fine!
7 comments:
You are crackin me up....really. I love the reminder of NO MORE MOMMY GUILT. I think it is a forever battle. Yesterday a momma of a 17 year old gave up her new phone to her youngin' even though she needed it bad! These kids will make it...God and the angels do far more than I in a day!
ooh girl, can I get an AMEN!!!! love it girl! our kids are all so LOVED...who cares about the rest (God cares about the rest and will take care of it but we don't HAVE to). Drop that mommy guilt like a dead weight! :) love you girl! and love the cute captions! do you use picnik.com?
Not only are your kids going to turn out great no matter what they will be the kids who bless others. So what ever happens know that you are doing a great job and God knows where he wants your kids to be. They may be called to public school as a part of their ministry. You are a great mom!!!!
But we will just be sad to loose our tutor, you really do have an amazing gift.
Ok, those little thought bubbles are hilarious! How do you do these cute things? I hate guilt. It's like, why can't what I did just be right? Why do I have to second guess myself on everything? Shoulda, coulda, woulda... Why do I beat up on myself (not literally)? I guess if we're gonna fret over what we may be doing wrong, we should really rejoice in ALL the MANY times we do it right. Our kids are loved beyond measure and healthy as horses! But I do so so so desperately wish we could lose the Mommy guilt forever. Is there some kind of 30 day shred for that? :)
I'm with you sista!!! I often wonder why we guilt ourselves the way we do. I mean honestly no one else could raise our children and meet their needs like we can.........somehow we must get that in our heads.
I am always full of guilt, but am also trying to overcome it as well. So what if all my kids shoes are in a pile in the closet and so what if my 4 year old is downstairs watching a movie while I take a little cat nap. Life is short and there is no time for guilt!
My best advice - that I TRY to follow myself - is to try to remember that no matter what the outcome, your motivation for the decisions you make are to do what is BEST for your children. If you keep that in mind, you will not have to wrestle with the guilt so much! You're a GREAT mom and I know you will always do the best for your C's!
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