I’ve said it before and I will say it ten times over, being a mom is hard. It is actually probably one of the toughest jobs that you can take on, in my opinion and one of the most underrated jobs as well. It’s easy to feel at times like you are failing at this mom thing but I can reassure you that you are not because like I said already; being a mom is hard. There are simple ways to be a better mom that you can add into your already amazing bag of tricks as a mom. I do want to add that I am in no way saying that if you don’t do these things, you are a bad mom. For me, adding these things to how I approach parenting has helped me feel better overall in my parenting style and has helped me feel more connected to my children. So take what you will from this post but just know, you are already doing an amazing job!
Simple Ways to Be a Better Mom
Respect their Feelings
One simple way to be a better mom is to respect your child’s feelings. Whether these feelings are anger, sadness or frustration their feelings are valid. Imagine you being upset about something as an adult and expressing those feelings to a friend or your spouse only for them to get mad at you and tell you to stop feeling that way. It wouldn’t feel really good. The same goes for our children, no matter what age they are. Depending on their development age, they may not know the proper way to express their feelings and act out instead.
Get Outside
Sometimes getting outside by myself and with the kids helps me be calmer and happier which in turn translates to my mothering style. My kids also love getting outside as well so overall we all feel much better.
Provide Support
Provide support and encouragement as often and whenever you can. Even if it is just admiring your child’s tenth drawing of a circle or the repetitive recitation of my four year old’s ABC’s, encourage them and show them that you are proud of them.
Be more Present
Sometimes this means putting away the phone and devices and just being more present with your children. I know that at times this is difficult for me to do as well but it makes a world of difference in showing them that you are there and meeting their needs.
Take care of Yourself
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Is that how the saying goes? Taking time to yourself by heading to Target alone, going for a workout class or getting a massage are great ways to take care of yourself in order to be a better mom.
Include Them in the Things you Enjoy
Share the love that you have for things with your children. I love hiking, traveling and going to the beach which I make sure to include my children in as often as I can. It has made my children more interested in these things as well so that now we can enjoy them together.
Drop the Guilt
Finally, drop the mom guilt. I know it’s hard and is a lot easier said than done but you should not feel guilty about a single thing you do as a mom. So let the guilt go if you spend time by yourself, go on a trip solo, or buy something for just you and not the kids. You deserve it.
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