You’re not failing, mama…
Last night I was dealing with a teething baby and was up all night dancing, singing, praying, and at one point begging the Lord to make him go to sleep…
When he finally fell asleep my older kids woke up ready for the day.
For breakfast my kids ended up with toast because a gourmet breakfast was just not going to happen.
I was too tired to play with them that day.
My baby wouldn’t let me put him down.
I was too tired to take them to the park and a throbbing headache wasn’t making it any easier.
When evening rolled around I couldn’t be more anxious to put them to bed. My husband wasn’t coming home until after bedtime, so I skipped bath, I skipped bedtime stories, and when my oldest took a little too long to say his prayers I impatiently interrupted “Amen!” and after blowing them a kiss I walked out of that room as if my back-side was on fire.
That day was hard. While nursing my youngest one to sleep I felt such mom guilt for not being my absolute best. I felt like I failed them.
Have you ever felt that? Mom guilt?
“You're not failing, mama.”
You’re not failing because you’re here, because you love, and because you care.
You’re not failing, because every single night your children go to sleep with full bellies. Every single day they wake up with you and not dreaming about a mother while sleeping in an orphanage.
You’re not failing because you love your babies more than anything in this world and can stay up half the night researching things like “What’s the best brand of diapers" for their little bum.
Some days you just can’t take your kids to the park and that’s ok.
Social media and especially Pinterest can make us feel like a failure because we look at these aesthetically pleasing and edited pictures of moms and their babies and we sometimes can’t help but compare ourselves to them.
What you see on social media is not always true. You’re probably following a mama who looks “perfect” on Instagram, but in reality she’s dealing with a lot.
Those perfect Pinterest like Christmas cookies... I can’t bake that and THAT’S OK! You’re not failing your children because you’re not providing a “Pinterest like” atmosphere in your home. I would feel like I failed them this holiday season if I didn’t teach them the true meaning of Christmas.
Maybe you’re struggling to afford the basics let alone afford everything off of your children’s Christmas list and you know what? You’re not failing them! You’re not failing because you’re here! Providing for your child and not on the streets somewhere not caring.
Your attention and love is what matters to kids, not stuff.
Did you know that the majority of the world lives in poverty?
I remember visiting a village in Tanzania, Africa where people lived in mud huts (houses made out of sticks and mud). The kids ran out happy and excited to see us. The one thing I noticed right away was how content and happy the children were. Their little mud hut had no windows, no electricity, no water, and their meals were the same every single day! Beans and rice. The kids showed me their inventions. One boy built himself a little car made from scraps from the garbage and pulled that car on a string. These kids didn’t own pairs of shoes and wore tattered clothing, yet they had the biggest smiles.
Should we never buy anything for our kids? Of course not, but should we rely on “stuff” to make our kids happy? Never because with that mentality it will never be enough.
Most of the world is so poor and yet here we are in our homes feeling “mom guilt" for not stuffing enough presents under the tree.…
I would feel like I failed my children if they grew up MEAN and UNGRATEFUL. If they weren’t kind and compassionate. That’s what’s important.
Some days will be harder than others, but you’re still not failing. Be kind to yourself and keep going.
I used to put myself down thinking that my 6 year old son should be able to sleep in his own room..
Who said that everything that you read in baby books applies to every single child the same?
If you’re children are ready to sleep in their own rooms and are thriving and happy then GOOD FOR YOU! And if your children still sleep in your room, good for you too! Mama knows best! Trust me, they won’t be sleeping in your room as teenagers.
For some the cry out method works when putting their infants to sleep and good for you, but for some rocking and nursing our babies to sleep is good too! I rocked my babies to sleep and guess what? They turned out just fine.
Some send their children to school and some choose to home school. Some breast feed and some formula feed and you know what? THERE ISN’T JUST ONE RIGHT WAY! Every child is different and mama knows whats best for her and her baby! Don't stress and feel guilty for not doing it the way others do it. And don’t let anyone put you down for doing the very best for your child. At the end of the day we all love our children more than anything in this world.
Also, if you did have a really bad day and reacted in a way you shouldn’t have, please give yourself grace and know that tomorrow will be a new day with fresh new strengths and a new day to be your very best. A new day to build strong relationships with your children a new day to create priceless memories that they will remember forever. It’s not the “stuff" that your children will remember the most, but the simple moments like cuddling before bed, sharing stories, talking, or playing a simple game of hide-and-go-seek.
Nothing is more important to a child than love and attention from his parents.
God gave us one of the most important jobs in the world. God trusted you to raise your babies.
And if you lie awake worrying about your children and their future the Bible says to “Give your worries to Him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Know that the Mighty God himself is holding your babies in the palm of His hand. No weapon formed against YOU or your KIDS shall prosper.- Isaiah 54:17
He knew that you could do it before you ever became a mother and He’s always there for you to lean on Him. Ask God for guidance and wisdom and He won’t let you down.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29
You’re not failing, mama, you ROCK AT THIS!