Being a mother is demanding, and often moms are also hard on themselves. It’s not uncommon for mothers to develop guilt and wonder whether they are doing enough or where they have gone wrong raising their children. In this article, we’ll break down why mothers experience so much guilt regarding parenting and how to overcome it.
Unrealistic Expectations
There are days when a mother will send her kids to school with Lunchables and leave the dishes in the sink a little too long. And that’s okay. However, it can become a source of guilt when the expectation is to feed the kids homemade mac and cheese daily or involve them in every extra-curricular activity in the community.
Unfair Comparison
Mom is a superhero. We know this about our mothers, aunts, and cousins. Comparison with other ‘superhero moms’ can create more guilt and raise doubts about parenting skills.
How to Overcome Mom Guilt
The first step is to reflect on expectations and whether they are realistic or not. Talking to a therapist or a close friend can be a great way to determine whether there is unnecessary pressure.
Mom guilt can also be overcome by recognizing that God has called each mother to do a particular work with the children He has blessed them with. It’s okay not to be perfect because the relationship with their children is one of God’s good works in progress.
How Wellspring Can Help
If you feel like you and your family would benefit from therapy, we offer family therapy so you can break through barriers in your relationship with your children and work with your family on overcoming feelings of guilt.
