Dear Jennie,
I see all my Facebook friends posting cute crafts they are doing with their kids, in-depth schedules and all these amazing educational activities. Meanwhile I barely feel like I’m keeping my head above water as we navigate through this crazy time. Am I a bad mom?
--So Over Corona
Hello S.O.C.,
Hi there! This is a great question.
I bet this is something a lot of moms are feeling right now. First off do not believe everything you see on social media. Social media can be very deceiving, you are only seeing what people want you to see. Social media can bring up a lot of shame and self-doubt, especially in mothers with young children because you are fairly new at this and are trying to find your way.
The No. 1 tip: DO NOT compare yourself to others on social media, you are not seeing the struggles they are having behind closed doors. Trust me they are having struggles too.
If you're not feeling like having an intense schedule or doing crafts with the kids? Then don't. Every family is different. Do what works best for YOU and your family. I will admit I am not a craft person either! But I do love to dance and be in nature so those are the things I do with my kids in our free time because that is what works for us and my kids are happy because they see their mom having true fun with them and not just going through the motions.
Introduce your kids to things you enjoy and do those things as a family it will be more fun. I do believe the longer you are a mother the less you compare yourself to other moms and you start trusting your own abilities and intuition. We can learn from each other and become inspired by another mom but not compare ourselves.
Learn to trust yourself as a mom. YOU ARE ENOUGH!
I do understand how this coronavirus pandemic has brought on a lot of uncertainty. It is extra hard right now because we are all kicked out of our normal routine.
Please go easy on yourself and your parenting.
Make sure you are taking time for self-care. Take time for yourself -- even if it's just 20 minutes -- to help you get centered and be more creative and patient with your children.
I know you are a wonderful and loving mother because if you were not then you wouldn’t even care about what other moms are doing. Focus on Being the best mom YOU can be.
Affirmation to repeat daily:
I am a great mom. I am enough. I always do the best I can.
Good luck to you. YOU GOT THIS!
Much love,
Jennie
Jennie Askins is a certified life coach located in Erie. She is a single mom to two beautiful daughters. She became a coach after getting divorced and realizing she needed guidance, support and validation in moving forward. Now she is a coach that helps women just like her discover their true power.
Jennie is the author of "Connecting Within: A Mother's Journey to Balance, Peace and Joy," which you can buy now.
You can connect with Jennie on her Facebook page, or email her directly.
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