By I WISH ALL MOMS WOULD READ THIS
By Becky Mansfield
Joanna Gaines said that she started writing a post about the joy of motherhood, but then she realized that this was for all moms – those in the middle of it and those in the throes of pain. Her post was for everyone. I loved it so much that I wanted to share some of her words here, of you. I hope that you find encouragement in them today.
She goes on to write…
“You are enough. I think at times all moms get this insecure feeling of “I’m not doing enough.”
As a working mom, it’s the hardest when my kids grab onto me as I’m walking out the door and say, “Mommy, please stay home!” I don’t want to ignore that, so I always explain to them that being with them is my favorite thing in the world.
I explain that I have to work just like they have to go to school. I also let them know what I’m doing at work that day—whether it’s filming the show or going into the office—and what time I’ll be home.
Taking a few seconds to let them in on this other huge part of my life has really helped them understand that mom and dad have a big job to do.
I have had to find creative ways to connect with the kids during the day now that I work, to let them know I am always thinking of them.
I’ll send them a little note in their lunchbox or surprise them and pick them up early from school for a fun date.
When I was staying home these same feelings of “not doing enough” would find their way into my mind. In that season I spent a lot of time focusing on balance.
Naptime was when I got things done. Whether it was folding laundry, prepping dinner, writing my blog, or doing design work—that was my time.
It was important I kept myself creatively fed during those years, so I never let myself be filled with feelings of discontent. I hope if you’re in this season now you’ll take the time to allow yourself a few minutes a day to do what you love, too. I found it was the thing that kept me balanced and energized.”
She throws in some wonderful pointers like these:
“Taking the time: The young stage my kids are in is the sweetest. When I get home from work I try and leave my phone in the car and make that intentional effort to play and connect face to face with them.
The littlest things: The details have always mattered to me, especially when it comes to my kids.
Whether I’m making cereal for breakfast or a big, fancy dinner, I want them to know that celebrating them in small ways in everyday life is a big deal to me.”
Moms… no matter what stage you are in, take her advice to heart.
Remember that YOU ARE ENOUGH.
I want to tell you that your family loves you.
One of my favorite things is when our kids bring us home those little “MOM REPORTS” like “How old is your mom? What’s her favorite thing?” but when they answer the one about “What does your mom love?”… you can be pretty sure that they are thinking “ME!!!” 🙂
I know that before kids we all tend to have these idyllic fantasy-like exceptions of the kinds of mothers we will be once we start having kids. You know, the ones that only buy organic cotton, make their own baby food, and still have a patient, calm demeanor when our child writes on our new couch with a permanent marker.
Your kids love you just the way you are. The truth is, your kids have faults and weaknesses, but that doesn’t change how much you love them. It’s the same way your kids feel about you.
You are the mother they needed, which was why they were given to you. They love you just the way you are, so see yourself through their eyes, and you’ll realize you’re exactly the mom they need.
You are enough!
