I suppose if you think about it . . . there’s a fine line in most everything you do, and you’ve got to somehow find that perfect balance.

But even that perfect balance is a loaded notion in itself. Because no matter how hard you try, there is always a strong possibility it might not work out how you want. But then again it might do just that.

See? A fine line in everything in life, and you have to learn how to walk across it.

Being a mom is no exception. You want them to do things on their own, be independent. But you want to cuddle them too, fuss a little and make sure everything is all right.

RELATED: Motherhood is One Beautiful Contradiction

You want to spend as much time with them as you can, watching them grow and discoverup close and personal, but on the sidelines too.

You want to work . . . Full-time? Part-time? Be at home?

You’re looked at funny whichever one you choose to do . . . You’re not there enough. You’re around too much.

You can’t win—with others or yourself, and that’s when the mom guilt sets in.

You’ve got to do the best for those little ones, the best for you, the best for your other half, the best for your family. It’s by no means an easy feat, juggling all of that responsibility. Of course, you’re not alonethere’s someone there to help take some of that burden.

But even still, you can feel like it’s all down to you anyway—no matter the help or advice. Mom guilt at its very best. No one ever said being a parent was easy. In fact, it’s probably one of the toughest jobs out there.

RELATED: Motherhood is Hard, But Loving You is the Easiest Thing I’ve Ever Done

Making sure the littles grow up well provided for, well rounded, loved, happy, knowing right from wrong, able to be independent but know they can always ask for help. Making sure they know they are not on their own and can eventually pass all of this on too.

It’s so much responsibility with so many fine lines etched into the fabric of how we approach our choices.

You’ve just got to do it. Shove that mom guilt aside and focus on what you want and need—not only for your babies but for you and your husband too.

Those fine lines will always be there, you’ve just got to try and balance your way through it.

Originally published on the author’s blog

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Gemma West

My name is Gemma West. I'm 28 and happily married with two young children, 3 and 1.5 years old, and a crazy Labrador called Brian. My family is my life and although I've been writing for some time, poetry is a newer avenue for me, but I'm finding I love it as a way to record my motherhood journey. Find me on Facebook and Instagram under Gemma West, Writer.

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