From the time you wake up to the time you go to bed, being a mum comes with a lot of responsibilities. I understand your exhaustion as I’m experiencing it with my three small children. However, I will never consider this special role to be a burden because life isn’t always butterflies and rainbows, right?
There are times when I just want to go to the top of the mountain and scream all my stresses and headaches away. But that isn’t always possible. Well, not for me at least ~ Ha! However, among the not-so-great things that happen, as mothers, we must all have had some truly wonderful experiences.
I’d like to share with my fellow mums here what I consider to be my best and worst moments since becoming a mum. Who knows, you might be able to relate to some of these.
My Favourite Moments as a Mother
1. Bringing my lovely children into this world
The time I delivered all three of my children cannot be substituted for anything else. It’s just a special part of my life; a memory I’ll remember and treasure for the rest of my life. Every delivery was unique. I will eternally be grateful for the opportunity and that I was able to safely deliver my three kids. I will never forget the first time I laid my eyes on them and held their soft, fragile bodies in my arms as they were placed on my chest right after birth. Precious, just precious.
2. Getting my daily dose of “I love you, Mum”
Knowing that my children love me and hearing them say it every day is what keeps me going day and night. Since they learned how to say “I love you”, they haven’t gone a day without saying it to me. I truly hope that this continues even after they reach the ‘rebellious stage’.
3. Seeing my kids happy and playing together
What else can I say except that when my children are happy, I am happy. Every time I hear them giggling, laughing, joking around and playing together, it warms my heart. They’re the ones who keep me entertained when I’m down, and seeing them get along and play together always feels like an #achievementunlocked moment.
4. Spending quality time with my kids
Since I started working as a freelancer, I’ve felt as if I’m constantly working and very often on my laptop. So, despite our hectic schedules, my husband and I will make time to take the kids to the mall, a movie, a play area, or on a short vacation. It is the quality time I get to spend with my children when I am not thinking about work that I value the most.
5. Being their “go-to” person
I’m just enjoying this time when my children will tell me everything, from what games they’re playing to what happened at school, who their friends are, and how they may feel about something. God knows how long this will go on, but I often remind them that I’m always available to listen, be all ears, and offer help and advice. Oh, my kids, please, don’t grow up too fast!
6. Kids acknowledging my existence
How do they do it? Even something as simple as hearing them say, “Hi, Mama“, “Good morning, Mama“, “How are you, Mama?“, “Bye-Bye, Mama“, “Good night, Mama“, “Take care, Mama“—they simply make me feel good about myself for being the mother of three wonderful, beautiful children.
Now For My Worst Feelings as a Mum
1. Turning into a ‘Hulk-Mum’
I’m not proud of it, but there are times when I can’t control my anger or disappointment and turn into the hulk-mum that I despise. Nonetheless, I discovered some techniques that may prevent me from lashing out at my children, but I’m not sure if they’ll work. I might talk about it in my next blog, so stay tuned!
2. Can’t figure out what my kids want
Okay, something in the back of my mind always reminds me that my children are still young and are still figuring out how to express themselves. However, I still get frustrated when my kids become moody and I can’t figure out what they want. I feel like I should get to know them better, but I’m not sure how. It really is frustrating.
3. Not sure how to handle my kids’ crisises
When my children come to me with a problem that I can’t solve, I’m like screaming in my head, “Why can’t you handle this?” “You were a kid once; how can you not know what to do when your kids are having problems?” Anyway, I’m relieved that I can discuss the problem with my husband or close family members to find a solution.
4. The feeling like I’m failing as a mum
I believe the occasional thoughts and worries of being a failure as a mother is something that likely occurs to every mum at some point in her life. It’s a feeling I can’t shake in the heat of the moment, and it makes me feel like I can’t do anything right for my kids. I do feel hopeless at times because of all the flaws I may have as a mother.
5. The pressure of having to be the best
In a world where almost everything depicted on social media is seemingly perfect, I can’t deny that I’m guilty of wanting to be that ‘perfect mum’. The pressure does admittedly get to me from time to time. After all, who doesn’t want to be the best, right? But I know it shouldn’t be a competition. And that’s why the times when these thoughts somehow creep in anyway are some of my least proudest moments as a mum.
6. People comparing my kids to others
I’m sorry, but it bothers me when people do this. It doesn’t matter if they’re saying my kids are better or worse; it just makes me want to blow a fuse. To me, all children are unique in their own way, so please stop comparing them and just let them be.
Every Mum Deserves a Compliment
We mothers are just normal people, and there will always be ups and downs when it comes to parenting our children. What has been your proudest and lowest moment as a mother? Listing them out may help you feel better especially when you’re feeling rundown.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter which list is longer because all are experiences that shape you into a mother. Take a good look at the positive things on your list and give yourself a pat on the back. Whereas the negative ones should not be ignored, but rather used as an opportunity to improve. You could also consider implementing positive parenting techniques in your home. Hang in there, mums! You’re doing great!
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