How To Effectively Deal With Mom Guilt!

Tips to Deal with Mom Guilt

As much as we hate it, mom guilt is real. Here is how you say adieu to this unpleasant feeling that comes with motherhood.

Mom guilt involves feeling incompetent or like you’re not fulfilling your responsibilities as a mother. Mom guilt is real! Mothers from all walks of life experience mom guilt, which arises from the urge to ensure that their children have a perfect life. It is like PMS every mother gets it from time to time. A plethora of people believes that it comes with the territory of being a mother. It is essential to slow down, be mindful, and allow yourself to forgive yourself.

So, what's the solution? How to say goodbye to this feeling? Let’s decode this mystery, shall we?

Determine if you've done something wrong.

Your guilt could be brought because of the choice that you made. Did your child need you and you had an important call to make, so instead of giving them time, you rushed them out the door? Oh yes! You're guilty of prioritizing work before your child. Ask yourself, What was my top priority at that moment? Business call or your kid? To help release the mommy guilt, think of the airplane emergency oxygen mask. We all make our kids the priority, but there will be times when you need to put yourself or your work first. And that's completely OK!

Stop comparing your apples to other mom's oranges.

When you see a mother at a restaurant with a well-behaved child, the one who is colouring on the paper and not the table. The one eating and drinking the food on her plate, while her parents carry on an adult conversation. That mom who makes you feel bad about yourself when you look back at your table to see your child throwing food on the floor, whining, and asking for dessert even though they haven't eaten a single thing off the plate. And you think, you must be doing something wrong. The time spent comparing yourselves to other mamas could be better spent enjoying time with your children. So, everything else will get done in your own uniquely effective way, mama! Stop comparing and start investing that time in your own child.

Distance yourself from people who cause you guilt.

Did someone say something that made you feel mom guilt? Fix a personal boundary that says you'll keep your distance from that person, or you won't bring up whatever subject matter that caused you guilt. Relatives can be trickier. If your mother-in-law makes a mean comment about you working, find an excuse to leave the room. It's anytime better than stabbing a fork through her hand.​

Talk to your better half.

You automatically start spending less time with your significant other while you're busy caring for your little one. Taking some time out from your busy routine and spending it with your partner, venting out your mom guilt will make you strong emotionally. This will also help you in maintaining a healthy relationship.

Share your responsibilities.

Once you know why are you feeling guilty, you may find there are ways you can delegate your responsibilities. Maybe your partner can do more household chores, or you could look into hiring a part-time nanny or housekeeper to help lift some of your burdens. But make sure you get that "me time" for yourself. Another alternative is to get yourself a couple of baby-friendly gadgets to make your job half as easier than it currently is!

Talk to a professional.

If you feel overwhelmed, depressed, or constantly anxious, talking to a professional will definitely help you. A licensed therapist or a counsellor who specializes in issues facing new mothers can give you a space to talk through your experience and feelings.

Mom guilt is normal, and the responsibilities of motherhood, a career, and running a household can be overwhelming, especially for new mothers. Don't be afraid to say that you feel guilty, and make sure to prioritize investing in yourself, so you can be the best mom you can be. Catch up on some romance with the mister and always remember, motherhood is an extension of who you are! If you live in constant guilt and end up being saturated, how can you do a fair job in raising your precious kids?

What helps you cope up with mom guilt? Share with us in the comments below.