I’ve given up on trying to be a supermom, and I’m glad I did.
When you’re doing your best to wear too many hats, there comes a time when you have to start taking them off. The amount of praise you receive when you’re doing it all is great. It’s not until you make one mistake that you realize the critics start to come out. The biggest critic is always the first one to talk. Can you guess whom that might be? It’s the person you see in the mirror.
Throughout the years I’ve had to learn how to balance money and time. Becoming a parent does that to you. You slowly begin to wish life was like school — focus on one subject at a time throughout the day. Let’s face it, life isn’t like that at all!
On most days, I’m trying to keep our little ones alive and entertained. Raising boys can be fun — the amount of energy they have throughout the day is inspiring. If only they had the same enthusiasm to run to the bathroom when potty training (our two-year-old), or to get ready for preschool throughout the week (our four-year-old).
Below are 3 main reasons why I’m over the whole “supermom” thing:
1. I don’t have the strength.
No matter how strong you feel today, you’re going to feel it tomorrow. You have to cut yourself some slack. You can’t take on everything.
2. I’d rather be sleeping.
I’ve always loved having an early bedtime. Since having kids, my 8pm bedtime routine has gone out the window. It also has to do with my husband working late. Whenever I get a chance, I sneak in a nap throughout the day.
3. My priorities are elsewhere.
I’ve been asked several times to connect with family and friends throughout the week. At one point, I didn’t mind phone calls throughout the day, but I’ve reverted back to my old ways. A text is perfectly fine when you need to reach me to see how I’m doing. Managing a household, a blog and freelance work is time-consuming. You’re always thinking of ways to improve on all aspects of your life. Sometimes, that means another piece of the puzzle suffers. My social life is my family and my blog.
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Things Get Better — I Promise!
Looking through last year’s bullet journal I realized that around this time last year we were beginning our home-buying process. I shared how we were able to do so in less than six months here. It wasn’t easy, but skimming through my notes and all the expectations we had while searching made me reevaluate my expectations today.
Carrying what feels like a watermelon around all day and caring for two under five sounds like a challenge, and it is. Some moms make it look so easy, but it isn’t. We’re all just doing what we think is best for our family.
I’ve looked around our home several times this month. January is the month most people work on their goals and get excited about starting fresh. I feel like I start fresh every day. One day might be filled chaos, while the other turns out to be a success (cue in birds chirping).
For us, it’s been a journey. Change is constant, and sometimes it happens more than we’d like it to. Embrace it.
A Better Version Of Myself
With the number of changes happening on a daily basis, sometimes it can be hard to keep up. I will admit that I get angry. I do lose my temper, but most importantly, I love our family. Whenever I lose my cool I try to remind myself that we’re in this together, and that talking it out — even with our two under four — it helps us understand what’s needed from one another. Most of the madness comes from not meeting our needs.
Tired? Cranky kids and mom. Hungry? Cranky kids and mom. Pregnancy has made me extra cranky when I don’t get a nap. I’ve been trying to squeeze one in here and there, even for just 10 minutes. It really makes a difference.
Are you or someone you know trying to be a supermom? Comment below.
36 responses to “Why I’m Over Trying To Be Supermom”
Back when my kids were growing up, I tried to be that supermom. It seems like there was more pressure back then in regards to when babies should be weaned, potty trained, etc. I’m glad you quit the supermom rat race. Yay for you!
Don’t know when this supermom idea came into play. Some days for me are better than others. If beds don’t get made today there is always tomorrow. Cereal for supper is just fine sometimes.
this is so great to read. When my son was first born I had no choice but to be a supemom type, but never gave up the reigns until I was put on bedrest 9 months later. It can be diffucult to find the right balance for you and your family but once you find it, it is so worth it.
So sorry to hear about what you had to go through, but I’m sure it made you realize sometimes just being there for the kid’s is enough. And yes, a balance is a must.
Yes it was a huge shift in my way of thinking, as awful as it was I am so thankful it happened when my son was so little that our life now is all he knows.
No I’m not trying to be a supermom and never have. I’m just doing the best I can, which is what I think every person should do.
Yes! We’re all just trying to survive
Yeah, supermom aspirations lasted as long as I had my first child. Once my remaining children were born, I had to give it up. It’s too hard to keep up with expectations that you think others may have for you. My kids are relatively happy (until I tell them to clean their rooms) so I consider that win!
I love this! I never tried to be a supermom because it took too much energy. So long as my kids were healthy and somewhat happy, I considered it a win.
AMEN! I realized a long time ago that I will never be perfect, but at least I know that I am doing the best I can!
Yes. There’s nothing wrong with doing what’s best for your family.
I never have, nor will I ever put the supermom pressure on myself. We are all different, we all parent in different ways, and if our kids make it out alive – we are all super.
Smart mama! I have to agree with you. We’re all just doing what’s best for our family. <3
There is definitely pressure out there to do it all and do it well all the time. It’s basically impossible to keep up with some of these expectations. Kudos to you for giving yourself a break and realizing that it’s not necessary to be perfect!
Oh yes, we all need to get to this point as Moms! I know we all have the best of intentions and if there is one thing in our life to be the best at being a good Mom would be that thing to get right. But, love and time to our kids does wonders for them and us. Mom guilt is real and tough to get over. We all are kicking butt and doing all we can.