I think we can all agree that moms in general feel inadequate. They feel like they're not doing enough, not spending enough time with their kids, saying "no" too often, saying "yes" too often and making mistake after mistake.
Then they get online and mom-shaming is all over social media. One mom is saying gluten is the worst and you're a horrible mom if you feed your toddler a box of mac n' cheese, while another is saying that you should never let your kids watch TV or else their brains will melt.
Then you realize your five-year-old is parked in front of the TV watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse with a bowl of mac n' cheese.
The cycle of moms feeling inadequate needs to stop. You should always feel like the best mom in the world, and here are 10 ways to make it happen:
1. Breastfeed
Breastfeeding is great for some moms. It's a way to bond with your baby, and it keeps your baby nourished, which is awesome. If you choose to breastfeed, that's good for you!
2. Don't breastfeed
Bottle feeding will also keep your baby alive, and it's also great. You still get bonding time with your little one, but daddy can join in on the fun too. If you choose to bottle feed, great!
3. Feed your kids cold pizza for breakfast
Pizza for breakfast just happens sometimes, and it's totally fine. Your child will survive. As long as they're getting their nutrients during the day, cold pizza in the morning won't hurt anyone in the long run.
4. Feed your kids a quinoa and kale acai bowl
If you have the time and energy to make every meal a super-food meal for your child, that's awesome. You should definitely do it if you feel it's best for your kids and family.
5. Make sure you're taking care of yourself
ALL moms need a little time to themselves, so make sure you're taking it. Whether it's five minutes alone in the bathroom or a day-long spa getaway, you should do whatever it takes to keep your body and mind healthy.
6. Take a weekend getaway (or don't)
Again, every mom is different with the amount of time they need to unwind. If you need to take a weekend getaway every once in awhile, there's nothing wrong with that. There's also nothing wrong with hiding in your pantry for ten minutes while you eat all of the Snickers bars from the Halloween candy.
7. Throw your child the perfect birthday party
Birthday parties are often a wonderful time for your child to feel special. They're so much fun and if you're up for playing hostess, it could be great for your child.
8. Don't throw birthday parties
It's not the end of the world if your child doesn't get a birthday party. If they feel special on their birthday, that's all that matters. Don't feel bad if you didn't throw the perfect Pinterest bash— your child will look back on their birthdays fondly regardless of whether or not they had a party.
9. Do what's best for YOUR kids
You know what you need to do— no one else does. Don't let other moms on Facebook tell you how to parent your kids, and don't try to parent theirs. Everyone is different!
10. Love your kids with your whole heart
The most important thing you can do for your kids is love them. If they know they're loved by you, they'll grow up knowing you're the best mom ever.
You ultimately know what's best for your child, and no one can tell you if you're parenting the right or wrong way because there is no right or wrong way. Your kids look at you as their superhero. There isn't anything you can't do in their eyes, and you're perfect to them. So keep doing what you're doing, because you're already the best mom in the world.
