Five Mantras I Try To Tell Myself As A Mom

Being a mom of two toddlers during a global pandemic might be the hardest thing I've ever done. The boredom, the constant worry, the endless entertaining, the snack requests. Add on top of that the fact that we truly don't know when this whole thing will end... I'm going nuts! 

Regardless of how hard it's been, I try to remind myself how lucky we are to have our health and the comfort and safety of our home. In reality, we're fine, and we'll wait it out for as long as we have to. With Mother's Day on Sunday, I started thinking about my four years as a mom. I've had my good days, and my truly awful days, and that all seems to be exaggerated on both ends over the past few months. I've got a lot to learn as a mom, but I have learned the tough lesson that a mom with an empty cup is not going to be a very good mom. 

As we enter Mother's Day Weekend, and month three of quarantine, here are five daily mantras I tell myself as a mom.

Be Intentional With Your Time

Time is a blessing and a curse. When I have time to myself (which is rare), I put the pressure on to be productive and power through the things I need to get done. Most of the time, this is necessary. Not only am I parenting two children, but I'm also running a business and work just has to get done. However, I have to realize that I cannot do it all, and I have to ask for help. 

I wrote a post about how to get work done with kids around, and it's helpful to break up your time into "work, play and house". There's no need to get everything done right away, especially when the environment is not conducive to success. 

Give Yourself Grace

Along the same lines, I remind myself daily that it's okay to make mistakes, to slip up, to not get everything done. My priority right now is my family. No matter what, as long as I have them, we will be okay. It's a hard concept to grasp, and it's really hard to forgive myself for getting frustrated too quickly or snapping at the kids, but I'm only human. I've got to be easier on myself so I can be a better mom.

You're The Best Mama For Your Kids

Whenever I question myself as a mom, I have to remind myself that no matter what, those kiddos are mine. They were given to me for a reason, and even if I mess up, they are still going to love me. I'm the best mom for them, and they know that, too.

Communicate Your Needs

This is something I'm constantly working on, but it critical to my success as a business owner, and my sanity as a mom. I come from a large group of very headstrong people, and asking for help is incredibly difficult for me to do. However, the moment I ask for help, a huge weight is lifted from me. I'm blessed with a very involved husband who loves spending time with the kids (albeit he also needs his "me" time, too). We've found a good rhythm of "me time", "his time" and "family time" over the last few weeks, and it's been wonderful. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.

You're Doing a Good Job

Remember, we're in the middle of a global pandemic. This isn't a competition on who can be the most productive or come up with the cutest activities for their kids. Wherever you are, whatever you're doing, if you're worrying about if you're doing a good job - you are. 

Hang in there, mamas. And Happy Mother's Day!