I’m Done Trying To Be the “Perfect Mom”

I’m that mom who has to de-wrinkle the laundry multiple times because I consistently forget about it.

I’m that mom who is the walking dead without some form of caffeine.

I’m that mom who chronically worries about everything.

I’m that mom who is chaotically organized.

I’m that mom who is convinced that everything in the world is toxic.

I’m that mom who tends to dress on the more comfortable side of the spectrum.

I’m that mom who fiercely loves her family.

Some days I feel like a champ, as I prepare an organic, highly nutritious meal for my son, and other days I throw some puffs on the high chair tray and call it good.

Some days I’m like a combination of Mary Poppins and Ms. Frizzle, and other days I get overwhelmed and angered easily.

Some days I venture out into the world with the baby carrier and dress my son in a cute outfit, and other days we stay inside as he runs around in just a diaper.

Being a mom is an emotional balancing act. You are pulled like a tug-of-war rope, but still expected to remain sane. Motherhood is so rewarding, but the pressure to be “the perfect mom” can leave you feeling empty and broken inside.

Let’s be real, there are some days, as a stay-at-home momma, where I’m still wearing the same t-shirt that I wore to bed the night before, covered in spit-up, baby boogers, and who knows what. There are days when I stress out because my baby isn’t sleeping (unlike the babies that other moms brag about who slept through the night the first night **eye roll**), and I start to doubt myself as a mom. There are days when I forget to pray as soon as I wake up, and my whole day is thrown out of whack. That’s life. It’s full of imperfections. I would go crazy (or crazier than I am now) if I attempted to be perfect every day.

So how do we deal with this? How can we stop this desire to be perfect?

Stop comparing yourself to other moms.

Just stop.

Use your God-given gut logic, and parent the way that feels right to you. That will look different to everyone. You may worry about one thing, and another parent may not care, and vice-versa.

Some moms breastfeed their children ’til they’re five, and some moms use a bottle from the start. Some moms like to use a baby carrier, and some moms prefer a stroller. Some moms use organic everything, and other moms don’t care. Some moms use disposable diapers, and some moms use cloth diapers.

The way you take care of your child is completely up to you. Are there some ways that are better than others? Probably, but you take care of your child how you want to, and let other moms take care of their children the way they want to.

As long as you unconditionally love your child, meet their needs, pray for them, use discernment, and do the best you can, that’s all that matters.

Give it all to Jesus.

There are some days when I worry about everything. I start cringing as I look at the toxic ingredients in some baby products, worrying that my son will never sleep through the night, and sometimes feeling like all I am is a food source.

I feel like a failure when the laundry hamper is overflowing, the dishes are practically piled to the ceiling, and when my sweet baby won’t take a nap. There are moments when I’m pushing the tears back, and all I can do is call out to Jesus.

Allow yourself to fall into the arms of Jesus, with your mascara (if you even bother with it anymore) running down your face and all. Let Him be your source of strength and help in your time of need.

Don’t do this mothering business alone. Don’t feel like you need to hide in your closet with a big bag of dark chocolates (no judgement if do though). Pray to God for support, mom friends, and a fresh perspective.

So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you (1 Peter 5:6-7). Let’s focus on Christ, and work at being godly mommas who are consistently praying for their families and doing the best they can.

Don’t worry about being “the perfect mom.” That’s overrated anyway. 

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Articles by Leah Lewis

Leah Lewis

Leah is a passionate follower of Jesus, wife to her best friend, and momma to a silly boy and a sweet baby girl.