Mom guilt.
It’s the absolute worst. I feel guilty when I work too much then I feel guilty when I’m not working because I should be more productive.
I feel guilty when my house is a mess then I feel guilty when I’m cleaning my house. And then of course the guilt that comes when the house is clean and I get after the kids for every little mess.
Sometimes I’m too harsh. Sometimes I way to lax. Guilt. Guilt. Guilt.
It all comes down to a simple explanation. I love my kids and I want the best life for them. And there’s no reason to feel guilty about that.
I can always do better. But today I am enough. And you are too. 👊🏼 ⠀
Here are some simple ways to Decrease Mom Guilt:
1. Read to your children EVERY day.
Start reading to your children when they are babies and don’t stop! I remember receiving a book as a gift for my first born when he was just a few weeks old. She told me to read to him every day because he loves to hear my voice. My kids LOVE books and stories and it helps me feel connected to them even when the rest of the day was crazy.
P.S. Don’t go buy a million books. Go to your local library. Another mom win! Kids love the entire process of the library. Find the best books from your library!
2. Speak Kindly
Use a positive tone when you are talking to your children. I have a very hard toddler so easier said than done right? It definitely helps with the mom guilt when I use positive parenting in all my interactions.
I have a tendency to get hangry. When I am hungry and my kids are whining its a lethal combo. Pause, breathe, smile, walk away. An angry mother just escalates every situation. The more positive I am in my tone, the happier I go to bed at night.
Also, use positive affirmations CONSTANTLY! I love to pour on the positive affirmations as I drive my kids to school or put them down to sleep. I don’t want them to beat themselves up over mistakes they made or ways they misbehaved. This has helped our relationships so much.
3. Make Intentional Time with Every Child
Whether it’s five minutes at the end of the night or sneaking out on a date in the middle of the week, intentional time with every child is so important. Kids get lost in the chaos on this one on one time allows you to focus on that one child and really see their needs.
Piper has been a really challenging child. Recently I took her to Disneyland for a girl’s trip and she came back a new girl. It’s amazing what focused time does for a relationship. I am more patient. She is more patient. We are reconnected.
And a real life moment…
Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of.
January 3, 2019
Kylee Maughan
