“Mum guilt” is a common feeling that many mothers experience at different points in their parenting journey. It happens at any point in time even if you have dealt with it in recent times, it’s safe to say that you’re not alone in this, and there are ways to manage these feelings. Mum guilt can be managed and here are practical ways:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: This is not the time to be in self denial, you must acknowledge your feelings, they are valid: mum guilt is a normal emotion, it shows that you care deeply about your kid’s well-being.
- Practice Self-Compassion: The same way you would treat your kids is how you ought to treat yourself. Never forget, you’re doing your best, and it’s okay to slip a few times.
- Set Realistic Expectations: We mums do this a lot, even in other areas of life we don’t set unrealistic goals so who schooled you wrongly to set too high standards for yourself as a mum. Understand that perfection is unattainable, read that again. It’s okay to have days when things don’t go as planned.
- Choose Quality over Quantity: Instead of being worried over time you can’t spend with your child, make the most of the time you have together by being present and engaged. Let choosing quality over quantity be your mantra.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Hmm, did you just whisper to yourself that this is going to be difficult. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. Your ability to care for your family is dependent on how much self-care you prioritize. Schedule regular breaks to recharge and pursue activities you enjoy.
- Delegate and Ask for Help: Asking for help doesn’t make you less of a mum. Don’t hesitate to ask from everyone willing to help; your partner, family members, or friends. Doing this automatically ease your workload and you definitely have more time for yourself and your family.
- Practice Mindfulness: Doing this deliberately will help you stay present and focused on the moment, reducing the tendency to meditate on negative thoughts.
- Reframe Negative Thoughts: Fight negative thoughts with positive ones. For example, if you’re feeling guilty about working, remind yourself about the positive impact it brings to your finances.
- Communicate Openly: Always communicate your feelings with your partner, friends, or a support group. A problem shared is a problem half-solved, only ensure it is with the right person.
- Limit Social Media Comparisons: We are all guilty of this, a lot of times not deliberately but you are doing yourself more harm than good anytime you feed on things everyone else does right and not yourself. We all portray what we want people to believe on social media even though everyone has their own challenges.
- Celebrate Wins: Instead of focusing on what you haven’t done, celebrate the small wins. Every victory deserves recognition; small or big.
- Remember Your Why: Reflect on your reasons for making certain decisions. If you’re making choices based on your kid’s well-being and happiness, remind yourself of those intentions.
- Teach Resilience: Embrace the concept that experiencing challenges and setbacks can actually teach your child valuable life skills. Resilience is an important trait to develop.
- Create Traditions: Establish rituals that allow you to connect with your child through bedtime stories, family meals, or weekend outings. These moments can strengthen your bond.
- Seek Professional Help: After trying all the above and you’re still overwhelmed with guilt, please talk to a therapist who specializes in parenting.
Managing mum guilt is an ongoing process, and it’s okay to seek support when needed. Every mother’s journey is unique, and by practicing these strategies, you can navigate the challenges of motherhood with greater confidence and ease.
xoxo
5StarMums
