The ABC's of Being a Better Mom
Being the best mom ever is the greatest goal that any mother could ever set out to achieve. In a world where advice seems to come from every possible direction, it can all seem a little daunting. In reality, though, unlocking your full potential can be as easy as ABC.
Here's how you can master the process in just three easy steps.
A is for Assistance
There's nothing worse than feeling as though you are facing the battle alone. I know the struggles we face with asking for help. We absolutely cannot do every single thing and I guarantee you that you will go much further with help. No matter whether you're a single or dual-parent household, there's nothing wrong with reaching out for help. After all, some of the support networks out there could enable you to pick up parenting tips while making friends. At the same time, you'll be doing the best for your son or daughter. You can start with Instagram, Facebook, and MeetUp. There are tons of groups and online communities where you can get plugged in and meet others. I have even allowed moms I met on Instagram to watch my daughter for a few hours in situations where I didn’t have anyone else. I am just so grateful for the community I have built.
Support networks can include groups for parents and children to meet. However, assistance takes many forms. As your child gets older, they may need a little extra assistance with a certain aspect of their development. Whether it's seeing a speech therapist, an occupational therapist, or a family therapist (for yourself and/or your child), it does not matter. Securing the right help for the physical and mental wellbeing of your child is the main goal.
Meanwhile, working parents may require babysitters, or even the help of their family. I have a membership with Adventure Playcare to drop off my daughter when I need it since I will be working from home and she will be learning from home. I know I will need a mental break, if anything. I have even used Care.com. Whatever the situation might look like, there is no reason to feel guilty about asking for help.
B is for Boundaries
Setting boundaries for kids is a great way to develop their discipline. However, boundaries help you become disciplined as a parent too. In turn, this allows you to spend more quality time with your son or daughter. It is a far better outcome than wasting hours of your life unconsciously scrolling on social media or stalking unimportant people from your past to see what they have been doing.
In reality, boundaries for yourself is largely about being organized. There are plenty of time management apps on the market to help you improve. When your days are more productive, it will free up more time for the family. By putting an end to excessive thoughts about those distractions, the time you spend together will reach a higher quality.
There's nothing wrong with enjoying a little downtime or activities that aren't that productive. The key is to establish some sort of balance (because ya’ll know I don’t believe true balance exists), which is why boundaries are your friend.
C is for Career
As a parent, a lot of the decisions you make is ultimately for the sake of your child. However, it is OKAY to remember your own needs and ambitions. A rewarding career is something that millions of women aspire to achieve. Aside from financially supporting your child, it teaches the lesson that hard work pays off.
It's not just about your career, though, it's about what it represents. You may find yourself seeking a new relationship, wanting to move location, or chasing another goal. Either way, a self-assured and happy parent is always a greater inspiration to their kids. As long as those endeavors do not detriment their development, you should have no qualms about this step.
Essentially, a happier mom is a better mom. If that doesn't give you the extra incentive to finally resume your life goals, I don’t know what will.
What is one thing you have done to become a better mom?