Simple Ways to be a Better Mom
Most of us moms do all we can to be the best mom we can be. We read books and follow accounts that we think will help us to be the perfect mother. But we still fall short. Here are my best tips on how to be the good mom you want to be.
You Can’t Be Perfect
First off, I want to say that none of us can be the perfect mother we dream of being. Sure, we need to be the very best mom we can be, but we need to take the weight of perfection off of ourselves. We will never be perfect, but we can still be a good mom for our little ones.
Don’t let that discourage you from doing the hard work of becoming a better mother. You can be a great mom without being perfect, but you still need to put in a lot of effort.
The Most Important Thing
In all our efforts to become a better parent, I think we often forget the most important thing. And it’s that God is the one who called us to motherhood, and He is the only one who can fully equip us for the task.
We need Him because we can not do it on our own. When you feel you can’t do it, you are right, and it is a good place to be. It’s there where we can call out to God to help us and to supply our needs. And it’s there where He can work and show His strength in our weakness.
Don’t listen to all the advice all the Time.
Often we read books, watch videos, or follow the accounts that talk about good parenting. There is nothing wrong with getting advice or learning from others. But in the end each mom, child, or family is unique.
What works perfectly for someone else may not work at all for you or your situation. Maybe the good advice is good, but for your family, it is okay to do things differently.
Ask God to give you wisdom for your situation. Maybe you need to do things differently for the best of your family.
What Children Most Need From Their Mother
Children need you most of all. They need a mom who sees them and cares for them. They need smiles and hugs. They need to see they matter to you. A lot of other things that supposedly make us good parents aren’t as necessary as they seem.
Children need a mom who is present and who delights in them.
Do What Makes You a Better Mom
There are things the Bible, which is the ultimate rule of life and parenting, is very clear on. You can get some things in life very wrong. But other things are not really the standard society makes us think makes us good parents.
Maybe someone says that you must breastfeed to be a good mom, but you know it makes you more tired and just takes too much from you. It’s not something morally wrong or right. Sure it may be a good thing, but if it makes you happier and better for your children if you do things differently, you don’t need to feel bad.
The same goes for things like co-sleeping or baby-wearing. Some people may say it makes you a bad mother if you don’t do those things, but that is not true. If you can be more present for your children if you do things differently from the norm, don’t be intimidated by others.
I am all for asking for and listening to advice. But in the end, take it to the Lord in prayer, and let Him show you if it works for your family or not. And then go be confident in your motherhood choices.
It’s in the Little Things
Sometimes we spend so much time trying to do the great things that will make us a “good parent,” that we miss out on the more important “little things.”
Think back on your childhood. What are the happy things you remember? Is it not the small details? I think for almost everyone their happy memories are the simple things their parents did with them to help them feel loved.
Give the hugs and kisses. Laugh together. Take time for your child. Show them Jesus. Read to them. Pray for them. Be present and so you can give them your undivided attention.
Practical Ways to Be a Better Mom
Put Your Phone Away
Maybe you don’t, but a lot of moms (myself included) end up struggling with our phones taking away our full attention from our family. Control your screen time, especially when your children are around, and you will automatically be a better mom and role model.
Take a Moment to Breathe Deep and Pray
When you are struggling with feeling anger or overwhelm, take the time for a deep breath, look into the distance, and pray for strength. This will help you avoid doing things you will later regret with your children.
Think of Your Children as Blessings
Children are a blessing, and when we see them as that it is easier to be the mothers we want to be. It doesn’t mean it is easy, but when our priorities are in the right place we can be better mothers.
Adjust Your Daily Routine
Many times as a stay-at-home mom we try to fit too much into our day, and so we don’t take the time we need for our children. We need to learn to adjust our routines and set realistic expectations so that we take the time for our children that they need.
Get Outside
We have so much to do in our homes that sometimes we hardly look beyond the four walls of our house. Try to get outside everyday, even if it’s just for a bit. Fresh air and a fresh view is so good for everyone’s mental well-being.
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Conclusion
It doesn’t take much to be a great mother, but it takes giving up of ourselves and accepting God’s strength in our weakness. It takes all of our attention. Even with saying all this, by no means have I attained to perfection, but I am growing and learning every day in my motherhood journey.
What have you found to be the best way to be a good mom to your children? Share it with us all in the comments below.
I just wanted to drop a note to say I’m enjoying your blog. 🙂 Thank you for putting all this together. I am enjoying reading your articles.
-Mom of two girls, five years and five months
Thanks for sharing that! I am glad to here it is a blessing. All the best to you in your motherhood journey!