I often find myself feeling worn down by the end of the day. I’m so tired after all of I’ve done, I barely have the energy to watch a TV show and put myself to bed. My mind races and I find myself wondering if I’ve done enough for my children. If I said the wrong thing to them or didn’t have enough patience.
I am constantly saddled with mommy guilt, and I know I’m not alone in these feelings. We’re all wondering if we’ve somehow failed and here’s what I realized . . . we haven’t.
Because every day, in a million little ways, we show our children we love them.
I hug them when they come downstairs in the morning. I make them a healthy breakfast. I put a note in their lunches saying hi. I ensure their backpacks aren’t missing their folders and lunch bags. I check to make sure they’re wearing their gym shoes on PE days. I hold their hands while we wait for the school bus. I wave as they pull away.
I love them.
And then I do more.
I wash and fold their laundry, I clean their dishes. I neaten their rooms and clean the bathrooms. I vacuum. I organize their bookshelves and toys. I schedule their doctor visits, playdates, and activities.
I love them.
And when they come home, I do even more.
I kiss them hello. I help them with their jackets and shoes and backpacks. I make them healthy snacks. I listen to them tell me about their days. I get them to their activities and playdates. I prepare dinner. I give them their favorite treats for dessert. I help them shower and put on their jammies. We read together, and I guide them as they stumble over words they don’t know. And then I kiss them goodnight and tell them I love them.
Maybe that’s the first time I’ve said it that day.
But I’ve already shown them in a million little ways. They are loved. And I am enough.