Today’s blog is about a common feeling that many moms experience called “mom guilt“. Mom guilt is when moms feel like they’re not doing a good job as a parent or that they could be doing more. It often stems from comparing oneself to other moms, feeling like there isn’t enough time spent with the kids, or thinking that they aren’t doing enough to help their children succeed.
Our St. Louis Therapist Shares Five Ways To Overcome Mom Guilt:
Celebrate Your Achievements
Take the time to celebrate your achievements as a mom, no matter how small they may seem. Recognize the love, care, and effort you put into raising your child. Whether it’s helping them with their homework, preparing a healthy meal, or simply being there for them, each act contributes to their well-being.
Make a list of your strengths as a parent and remind yourself of them when you start feeling guilty.
Recognizing your positive contributions can help shift your perspective and boost your self-confidence as a mom.
Give yourself credit and acknowledge that you’re doing an amazing job.
Make Meaningful Connections
Connecting with other moms who are going through similar experiences can be incredibly beneficial. Joining a moms’ group – either in-person or online – or reaching out to a friend who’s also a mom allows you to share your feelings and concerns in a safe space.
You might find comfort in knowing that others have similar experiences and can offer support and encouragement. Connecting with other moms can help normalize your feelings and provide valuable insights and encouragement. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey.
Stay Present in the Moment
When your thoughts start racing and you’re analyzing your perceived shortcomings through the past day, week, or month, try to stay present in the current moment. One tool to help with this is practicing mindfulness. When you start feeling guilty about how you’re doing as a mom, try to be aware of your thoughts and emotions without criticizing yourself. This practice can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed, allowing you to respond to your feelings in a healthier way.
Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself as a parent. No one is perfect, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Understand that you’re doing the best you can, and that’s all anyone can ask for.
Embrace the fact that parenthood is a journey, and there will be ups and downs along the way.
By setting realistic expectations, you can alleviate unnecessary pressure and reduce feelings of guilt.
Seek Support from a Therapist in St. Louis
Don’t hesitate to reach out for support when you’re feeling overwhelmed with mom guilt. In addition to talking to your partner, friends, or family members about your feelings, a mental health professional can support you. Sharing your emotions can provide you with a fresh perspective and reassurance that you’re not alone. Consider seeking guidance from a therapist who specializes in maternal mental health.
Mom guilt is a common feeling experienced by many moms. However, there are effective ways to handle it. By following these tips, you can learn to manage your mom guilt and feel more confident in your role as a parent. You’re doing a great job, and it’s essential to be kind to yourself along the way.
Mental health professionals can reinforce these positive messages and help you reframe feelings of mom guilt. Marble Wellness specializes in maternal mental health and is here to support you. Contact us today to be matched with a therapist who can help you embrace your role as a mom and overcome any feelings of mom guilt.
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Additional Counseling Services at Marble Wellness in St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL
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St. Louis
Our St. Louis team of therapists have a variety of training backgrounds and areas of expertise. We specialize in anxiety, depression, grief, chronic illness, therapy for men, couples, and maternal overwhelm. We can also help new moms with various postpartum concerns, moms in the thick of parenting, and moms with teens. We can also chat from wherever you are in the state with online therapy in Missouri and online therapy in Illinois. No matter where you are in your journey, we would love to support you.
Chicago
Our Chicago team of therapists offer a wide range of mental health services to help our clients through the different challenges and hurdles in their life. In addition to anxiety, depression, grief, therapy for men, and maternal overwhelm, we are specialized in professional burnout, therapy for breakups, and love partnering with working moms.
