Have you ever had one of those long days at work, come home, you finally sit down for a minute…. and immediately your brain starts listing everything else you should be doing.
The toys are on the floor. The baby bottles are waiting in the sink. And when did that pile of laundry get so high?
It happens so easily. That moment meant for rest quickly turns into a moment of guilt.
Moms may often feel that self-care is something we have to justify, when really, it should be something we are allowed to have.
This World Health Day, let’s look beyond physical health. Mental health matters just as much, especially in the everyday life of a mom.
Here are 8 things that moms should start letting go off, without feeling guilty.
1. Having a messy house
If you’re living in a house with kids, the house is not going to be neat and tidy all the time. If your children are fed and happy, you’re doing great. Sure, there may be a sticky surface here and there, but it is all part of having a house with kids who are comfortable.
2. Allowing your kids to have screentime
As long as whatever they are watching something educational instead of a Roblox gameplay with a voice narrating a Reddit story, that’s perfectly fine! These small pockets of time which allows you to turn your mom brain off for a moment and just take an uninterrupted shower could make all the difference in your day.
📖 Related read: Raising kids in a digital world: A guide to healthy tech habits
3. Taking time for yourself
While you may feel like you have to be a mom first, it is important for your children to see your identity as a person aside from their mom too. Taking some time to go for a workout, see friends, or taking yourself on a solo date helps your children see that it is important to fill your own cup first.
4. Not cooking healthy meals everyday
You don’t even need to have homecooked meals every day! Getting food delivery or frying up nuggets and sausages every now and then is perfectly fine. While nutrition is important, so is the mood and connection that is created during mealtimes which can help your family become closer.
💡Supermom tip: Order that Korean fried chicken and blanch some veggies at home while waiting. This helps with getting some vitamins while not having to cook a full course meal.
5. Losing your temper
Every mom has had a moment where she loses her cool and snaps. You are human after all. It is how you handle the situation afterward that helps your kids understand emotions. Use this as a teaching moment and apologise when necessary. It is better for your children to learn more about handling big emotions than bottling them up.
6. Not having an Insta-worthy birthday party
There might be the pressure to have perfectly planned parties at a kids’ cafe after seeing other moms on social media do them. Or if you attended one of a friend who’s celebrating their little one. Simple ones where you show up is more than enough. Growing up, your child will learn to appreciate everything you have done for them and cherish the imperfect moments.
7. Letting kids be bored
While you might think that boredom is a lack of stimulation, it is actually a powerful tool for a child’s mental and emotional growth. It is a way for children to explore their imagination and engage in self-discovery. In fact, let your child be bored.
8. Needing time away from your kids
Being a mom is a 24/7 job with no paid holidays or off days. Your boss is your little one and there’s no HR department for you to file a complaint to (unless you count our Supermom Village). Take a solo trip or weekend away with your friends. You deserve it.
A small way to start taking care of you
As you ease into taking better care of yourself, remember it does not have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with something small and consistent that supports your body from within.
