Being a mom is both amazing and exhausting – at the same time. There’s an endless list of things to do. As our kids grow, things change. They get more independent but there are also more challenges that come with them getting older as well. We are all constantly changing and what they need from us changes as well. From the never-ending laundry to the constant “what’s for dinner” question, your hands are more than full. Here’s a quick list with a reminder of what every mom should know – just in time for Mother’s Day.

Moms Need to Know

1. You are enough. There will be days when you question if what you’re doing or what you have to offer is enough. Trust us, it is. As long as what we bring to the table is the best we have at the moment, it’s enough.
2. Your mental health matters. As moms, we are the heartbeat of our homes. It’s true, happy wife, happy life. It’s also true that if mama ain’t happy – nobody is. That’s because how we’re feeling and how we show up for ourselves sets the tone in our home. We have to take the steps we need to be all right. Whether that’s getting some fresh air on a walk, a moment for a quick meditation, or a standing appointment with our therapist. Do what you need to be your best.
3. Perfect doesn’t exist. There is no perfect life and there are no perfect moms. We can only strive to be better than we were yesterday. That’s not just in motherhood, that’s in everything. Progress over perfection – always. There’s a cool newsletter for just that purpose here.
4. When it comes to motherhood, trust, no one knows what they are doing. You can read all the books (been there), listen to podcasts, and sit in on seminars. There may be some things in there that are helpful. Just know that at the end of the day, we’re all winging it! If there was a no-fail handbook for raising a child, it would always be sold out. At the end of the day, you know your child better than anyone and trust your ability to make the best choices you can for them.
5. That being said, be really careful who you ask for advice. Everybody won’t have a parenting style that mirrors your own. Some things that may work for them may be off-limits to you. Know your audience before you start asking for advice.
6. Remember self-care is sacred – not selfish. Once we have kids the smallest ways we take time for ourselves can feel like we’re neglecting our kids. The opposite is actually true. If you’re not taking time for yourself, you’re the one being neglected and that’s more harmful to your kids and how you feel about them. Mom guilt is too real though and you can find it hard to justify me-time. Do it. You’re worth the time you invest in yourself. The truth is, self-care is far from selfish. It’s necessary to bring our best selves to the table where our kids are concerned. A mom who takes time to take care of herself is a more fulfilled mom.
7. You need a village (or a squad). You need other people in the trenches of parenthood. You can find your village in your friends, in MeetUp groups, or in Facebook groups, just find them. Nurture those relationships. They are special and they can be a lifeline when you feel like you’re drowning in motherhood.