Gosh mamas, sometimes it just seeps in and controls your thoughts. I know for me, the past few weeks, I have really been battling with mom worry. I can’t tell you how many nights I have turned to Kevin and just said I can’t shut off my mind. I’m second guessing my conversations with Brooke, or how we are parenting in certain aspects. In these moments, I am incredibly thankful for my “rock” husband who whispers in my ear, “you are great mom – stop thinking, watch this show”. I say that laughingly in my head, because he just knows how to calm my spirit with simple words.
I have written posts about How To Combat Mom Worry – and am even in a bible study on worry right now (how fitting right?!). I know the right answers to combat mom worry for me. But, how to drown out the thoughts when you feel like you’re failing as a mom have had me slightly preoccupied lately.
Mama,
Do you ever feel like you are failing as a mom? Have you ever had those days when you just feel like you have raised your voice more than laughed? Have you felt boring instead of fun?
You know, those days when tantrums abound…
when your toddler pees on your floor…
when goldfish get squished in your carpet…
when your coffee gets spilled down the front of you…
all before 10 am?
Yes… that type of #momlife.
Well, here are 7 Things to do when you are feeling that way.
Reset Your Mind
Philippians 4 tells us “whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” I say this verse over and over in my head when thoughts of worry or failure seep in. Your mind can be so deceiving and honestly your emotions can get the best of you from a rough day. So, just ask yourself, is this true? Is this right? And reset your mind.
Pray
Pray for wisdom, strength and guidance. Here are 11 Quick Mom Prayers for your day that I hope will give you peace and inspiration. You are not built to be perfect, but you are the perfect parent for your child. God gave you an amazing gift.
Dance Party
Yes, dance party is right after pray on this list. It might sound funny to you, but for our little family, a dance party just works. A dance party helps me reset, helps my kids reset and just brings the mood up in our house.
Rest
You can’t give if you are empty. You don’t feel your best if you are tired. Mamas need rest too. I have found that everything feels a little easier in the morning after a good nights sleep. Notice when I started this post, I didn’t say “in the morning” I tell Kevin… always at night. Always when i’m tired, always when it has been a long day…. pay attention to this mamas. Do you only feel this way at the end of the day?
Ask yourself questions
Ask yourself why? Why do you feel like you are failing? Do you feel like you are failing because of a certain aspect of parenting? Do you feel like you are failing because you can’t find your joy? W – H – Y ? I think this is key for getting to the root of your worry and dealing with what the problem is. I find that if its a certain aspect of parenting, then I go to my spouse and set a game plan. This always tends to help me feel like i’m winning or have an action plan instead of failing.
Talk To A Friend
Yes, talk to your husband first, but then talk to a mom friend as well or even your mom. Men and women are wired differently, sometimes you just need another mom who gets it. You need empathy or encourage from someone who has been there or is there with you now.
Take A Look At Your Relationship with God
Lastly (well not lastly – probably first actually, but you get me), take a look at your relationship with God. I know that my relationship with God directly effects all of my other relationships. My joy, my patience, my worry, my mindset, it is all related. So, how is it? Am I in His Word so that I know what is “true, right, lovely”… am I in communication with Him through prayer?
7 things. These are just 7 things on a list of many to help you on those tough days. However, I hope at least one of them helps you today.
Mama – YOU ARE NOT FAILING! You are so loved and appreciated.