EIGHT TRUTHS MOMS SHOULD KNOW
by Kari Kampakis
It’s May, and you know what that means - time to recognize and celebrate every unsung hero named mom.
Most moms don’t give themselves enough credit. They might admit they’re a good mom, but a great mom? Hmm…Women are too hard on themselves, and nowhere is this more apparent than in motherhood.
Following are 8 truths moms should know. I hope they serve as encouragement, hope and a well-deserved pat on the back.
Truth #8: While the world wants you at your best, your family just wants you. In the workplace, there’s little room for error. But in motherhood, there’s more job security. There’s more love, forgiveness and grace. Your family isn’t looking to replace you, because the truth is nobody can. Your family just wants you.
Truth #7: You’re the perfect imperfect person to raise your children.You are matched with your children for a reason. The gifts you possess are precisely what they need to thrive. So rather than berate yourself or wish you were like other parents, channel your own talents and experiences to impact your children’s journey.
Truth #6: Your beauty is bigger than the number on your scale and deeper than the reflection in your mirror.Learn to see your true beauty through loving eyes, not the harsh filter of your inner critic.
Truth #5: Sometimes your kids will thrive because of you. Sometimes they’ll thrive in spite of you.Before you take too much credit for your child’s success or panic that your misstep will ruin their life, remember that your children have been given gifts and opportunities, and a wrong can be turned into a right.
Truth #4: A healthy family begins with a healthy mom.As a caregiver, you put others first. But no one benefits when you run on fumes. When you nurture yourself as an individual, you have more to offer your family. It makes you happy to come home and them happy to see you.
Truth #3: No child has to fail so your child can succeed.Parenting today is too competitive. But everyone can excel. And when you treat your children’s peers as allies, not competitors, you build community. Because it takes a village to raise kids, couldn’t we all use more help?
Truth #2: Every season of parenting is special.When you open your eyes to that, you enjoy the present. I know babies are adorable, but there’s also something miraculous about watching your child become a young man or woman. And when you remember that everything passes, even the awkward stages, you’re more likely to enjoy what’s in front of you instead of reminiscing back or looking ahead at the next chapter.
Truth #1: The measure of a great mom is not productiveness. It’s simply being there and being you.