How to Be the Best Mother You Can Be

Have you ever started a day with such liveliness and a list of all you were going to do that day? But somewhere between the I’ve-told-you-to-do-that-6 times-already and he-said this-and-she-touched me you fizzled. You just wanted to throw in the towel at 10 AM. It’s happened more than I’d like to admit.

But at times I’ve realized it’s because I’m not being authentic. I’m not being true to who I really am. I am trying to do things and be someone that I am not.

I’ve been a mom for over 11 years now. One of the greatest things I have to come to understand is this. I can’t be everything. I can’t be all to everyone.

I can’t be the world’s greatest soccer mom, the best cooking momma, crafting, sewing, harvesting, take the kids to the park 5 times a week, read them 10 books a day, keep everyone healthy, most organized mom in all the planet. I just can’t. And I’m OK with that after all these years.

I have found some things I enjoy and am great at. Others I can’t even come close. I don’t want to be the best crafter. I’m just gonna say it plain and simple. I hate doing crafts with kids. Some of you are shaking your head.

I get it. It seems fun. It gets their creative juices flowing. But it’s makes me wanna pull my hair out. See why I should stay away from crafts? I hate the messes. I’m too controlling. I just want to fix it all. And that’s not the point. So I just steer clear for the most part except the traditional dying of Eggs, painting pumpkins etc.

Yes, I’ll get out the crayons or paints but I try not to get involved too much because I recognize my weaknesses. Wanna toss the frisbee or football? I’m all over that. Want me to bake you a new delicious variety of cookies, kids? You got it. Wanna take a walk? I’d love to! Visit a new park. Sheesh, that’s sounds like my kind of fun.

You see, I focus on my positives and my enjoyment as a mother. I turn to the things that keep our family and my sanity running smoothly.

If I could give you one piece of advice it’s this: Stop trying to do it ALL. You’ll just run yourself ragged. You’ll just feel like you never measure up to all the other wonderful moms out there.

Like the Pinterest DIYers who have single-handedly renovated their entire house.

Like the mom friend from church who took her kids to the amusement park, baseball game and the aquarium this week.

Like the Facebook mom who harvests her entire garden while homeschooling her 9 children.

Like the neighbor mom who just ran a marathon after giving birth 8 months ago and is currently a size 2.

Focus on your strengths. Let go of your weaknesses. Then you’ll be the best mom you can be. The only exception to this is if you’re trying to break from a bad habit and it keeps getting you down. For example, weight loss. Yes, you will feel much better if you have a goal and you want to meet it. But please don’t makes goals to do things that leave your kids crying and you shrieking.

God created unique for a reason. Go embrace it and love on your kids!

Love and blessings,

Melanie