Truth Seeker: Mama Guilt ... It can be a mother!
Mama Guilt.
It effects all of us no matter how old our children are. It's an ugly thing. It can also be a bold face lie. It can turn a confident mama, into one that feels inadequate, and unsure of how to raise her little humans that she brought into this world.
Recently, I had a friend who expressed to me that she had been dealing with mama guilt, and labeled herself as a "bad mama". She mentioned that this thought kept creeping up on her, over any decision she was making during the day.
I firmly believe that there are some women out there that probably should not have procreated. Maybe they weren't prepared for motherhood. Maybe they were absent, abusive, or manipulative to their children. They may have created a childhood that their children need to recover from, instead of reminiscing about.
You need to take a look at yourself and say what type of mother am I? What kind of childhood am I providing to my niƱos?
Time to combat the guilt. Get those journals out mamas!
- What 3 things have you had mama guilt over recently? Be raw and specific.
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- Is there any evidence of your "mama guilt" fueled statements being true? These are your answers to how or why you are having this guilt. Don't just answer yes or no...dig deep.
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- Name 5 things or memories that remind you of your kick-ass mothering skills. It could be that time you fell asleep in the rocker, rocking your baby to sleep. Or how about the time you let your little one play on the playground for an hour...even though you were exhausted from being at work. Did you guys cook and dance in the kitchen together? Have a family game date or date night with mama? Did you tuck them in the bed and say your prayers together? The list could go on and on.
Don't be afraid to brag outloud on yourself (proclaiming that proud mama moment)! How are you the best mama for your babies (no matter their age)?
I am the best mama for my babies because:
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(Look up at what you just wrote. Do you see that evidence you provided? Write these truths on a mirror or a scrap piece of paper. Set them as an alarm on your phone. Put it somewhere you will see everyday, to squash those lies!)