How to reduce motherhood guilt

I was looking at old home videos today, and I noticed I really miss those days when my children were little and just wanted to be with me.

And, I also remember how isolating many of those days were. How hard it can be responding to unrelenting love and need for attention.

I'm not going to tell you that one day you'll look on those demanding days and miss them, because it doesn't help. Your smart, you know this, but right now in this moment, when you just ache for some time for yourself without the guilt you feel as your youngest child runs down the driveway telling you to come back because they miss you... now is not the time to tell you you'll miss it.

What I can do is help you not carry that guilt that is trying to follow you down the driveway...

Having a child cry that they want you to come back, does not make you a bad mother. Having a child scream that they hate you, does not make you a bad mother. Having a child kick out at you because they don't want to be in their car seat, does not make you a bad mother. Having a child refuse to go to school, does not make you a bad mother. It sure has heck feels like it sometimes though....

I'll let you in on a secret, well it's not really a secret, but it does seem to be something that people don't talk about much.

Some children are more difficult to look after than others.

They're the ones who don't want to go to sleep, who don't want to eat the food you make, who are quick to anger or cry. It doesn't make you love them any less, but they are harder work.

And it's OK to accept this fact.

​You may even find that letting go of the idea that it is your fault your children are difficult and accepting what is, helps lessen the feeling of guilt that is following you around..

If this is something you struggle with, we are here to help.  Simply call us on 0408533515 or email youngminds.psychology@gmail.com to book a parenting consultation and let us help you move from overwhelm to calm.  

ps if you don't have it yet, click here to access your free resource to take the first step to move from Overwhelm to Calm.