Mommy guilt leaves moms everywhere struggling with feeling bad for the things we're doing — as well as the things we're not doing. Oftentimes our greatest allies are also our worst enemies: other moms. Keep in mind that motherhood is downright amazing, but it's also a tough gig for everyone (no matter what your parenting style)! So instead of cutting each other down, let's unite on these less-than-stellar parenting moments that have taken almost all of us out of the running for mother of the year.
Source: Flickr user davejacquinphotography [1]
Not 100 Percent Organic
Most mamas would love to be able to only feed their children all organic, all-natural, nonprocessed, non-GMO foods without high fructose corn syrup, but the truth is that it's just not always possible — and that's OK.
Said Something Inappropriate
Slip-ups happen. Trust me, your child won't be the first to ask her preschool teacher to "pass the damn glue."
Untidy Kids? It Happens
My kids have crazy hair, and I don't always notice I've forgotten to brush it until we're shopping cart deep at the grocery store and I see a mama friend whose kids look like they've just came back from a BabyGap shoot.
Mommy-Brain Slip-Ups
Ever driven around town with your baby in tow only to realize that she was snuggly tucked away in her unbuckled car seat? Been there, done that. Mistakes happen, but you still got this mom thing — just use slip-ups as a reminder to do better!
Wide-Open Days
Days without playdates or any organized activities on the books should be cherished rather than leave us feeling badly because our kids have to entertain themselves with the millions of toys at home.
TV Time
To the moms who run a strict no-TV household, I salute you. To everyone else, stop feeling bad if your kid catches a flick or two during the day. There is something to be said about teaching moderation.
Imperfection Woes
Any mama whose child has ever broken off half their front tooth will understand exactly what I'm saying, but the thing is that it's OK to feel bad that your once-flawless child is now somehow flawed. It's just a part of them (and you) growing up.
Lied to Your Child
Look, sometimes Frozen is just broken, the beach is just closed, and the restaurant is out of ice cream.
Argued in Front of Kids
Parents argue, and if you happen to have a spat in front of your tots, don't feel bad — just make sure to let the kids know that even though you were mad at each other before, you're still in love!
Your Child Got Hurt on Your Watch
Ever scratched your newborn by accident? Or maybe your babe fell off the couch when you turned your head for a millisecond? You won't be the first mom with such stories, and you won't be the last mom who felt absolutely terrible.
Turned an Eye
Did you just notice that your tot didn't wash his hands after using the potty for the 26th time today, but you're just too tired to fight him to do it? He'll live, and so will you. Don't sweat the small stuff, mama!
Forget Something?
Children go uncoiffed for class pictures all the time. Permission slips go unsigned for weeks. Soccer cleats get left under beds. Heck, kids even go to school without a packed lunch. Mamas have a lot going on, and being forgetful is par for the course.