As we go through motherhood, there are so many assumptions and expectations on what it means to be a “good mama.” There are pressures from society, from the community, and sometimes, even from our own family and friends.
All of these outside factors influence the way we parent – if we choose to. But at the end of the day, what matters most is what you believe to be what it means to be a “good mama.”
This coming year, I choose to let go of all the pressure I feel to try and fulfill society’s expectations on how to be a mama to my children. This coming year, I will put my family first, and refuse to listen to advice that doesn’t apply to us. This coming year, I will raise my children the way I believe is best.
1.) I will teach my children to live life to the fullest.
Being too uptight can lead to stress and repressed emotions in children, especially when they aren’t able to express themselves freely. By teaching them to live life to the fullest, you are allowing them to enjoy what life has to offer while guiding them towards the right path for them to take.
2.) I will be there for my children when they need me.
I don’t believe in overparenting, because I want my children to grow up and figure out what it is that makes them happy, what it is that they want in life, and what it is to figure things out on their own. However, the very moment they need me or ask for my help, I will be there, ready to jump in.
3.) I will be a good example to my children.
Children look up to their parents the most, and they will always follow our example. So, because I want to raise my children to be loving, kind, empathetic, and thoughtful people, I promise to be just that so that they have someone to emulate as they grow older.
4.) I promise to leave room for mistakes and learn from them.
Whether it’s me, my husband, or my children, I promise to allow room for our entire family to make mistakes and learn from them. Nobody’s perfect, and when we make mistakes, what matters most are the lessons we learn from them so as not to repeat the same mistakes again.
5.) I will put my family above all else and have fun with my children.
When life gets too busy, it can seem difficult to make time to pause and simply “be.” This coming year, I promise to always make time for my family and have fun with them. At the end of the day, family matters most in life and we should see to it that we take care of the relationships we build with our spouses and children and nurture them.
6.) I will teach my family the importance of self-care.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. This saying is especially true for mamas who have so much on their plate. This coming year, I will teach my family the importance of self-care, so that we all nurture ourselves in order to be better people in all aspects of our lives. Through taking care of ourselves, we are able to grow, nurture other people, and nurture our relationships with one another and live life to the fullest.
There is no such thing as “perfect,” mama. You doing the best you can, every single day, is already being a good mom. This coming year, let go of all the expectations you have for yourself and take it one day at a time. Chances are, you’ll realize that there was never anything to worry about, because you and your family are doing just fine.
Happy New Year!
