Let’s be honest. There’s a lot of pressure on women when it comes to parenting. You’re expected to be and do all things for your children all the time. One wrong move, and you find yourself being picked apart by family, friends, and society. Not to mention, you hold yourself responsible for how your children turn out when they get older. Unfortunately, this line of thinking leads to a considerable decline in your confidence as a mom.
Are you constantly questioning your parenting style? Do you often have a hard time making decisions? Perhaps you get depressed or start self loathing because you feel like nothing you do is good enough? If so, it’s time to make some changes. When you’re not confident as a mom, it impacts your kids. It also takes away precious time that you could be spending creating memories, building bonds, and enjoying life with your family. If you’re unsure where to start, perhaps this advice will help.
You’re Not A Superhero
One of the first things to build your confidence is remembering that you’re not a superhero. You cannot be and do all things for your kids. There’s no such thing as a perfect parent. Most importantly, you’re human. There is no woman on this planet who hasn’t asked for help or made a mistake trying to raise their kids right. When you get this concept in your head, it’s easier to go with the flow and evolve as time passes.
Eliminate Toxic Friendships
If you have friends that tend to point out your flaws, belittle you when you make mistakes, or compete with raising their children, this is a toxic relationship you need to let go of. While there’s nothing wrong with constructive criticism, the last thing you need is someone in your inner circle highlighting the things that trouble you.
Don’t isolate yourself. Simply cultivate healthy relationships that will make your parenting journey more manageable. Having a group of people that will share experiences, provide sound advice, and be a source of emotional support can boost your confidence as a mom.
Be Mindful Of Social Media Posts
These days, parents like to post any and everything on social media. While the intention is to get positive feedback, that’s not always what happens. Ultimately, you’re putting your parenting in the spotlight for the world to see. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to have something nice to say. They’ll pick apart everything and make a big deal out of things that don’t even matter. When you read these responses, it’s easy for your confidence to take a dive.
While it’s alright to share some things on social media, not everything is meant for everyone. Keep some things to yourself and share videos or photos with family and friends that will give you the pat on the back you need.
Learn From Your Mistakes
No one gets everything right on their first attempt. Sometimes it takes practice before they can accomplish goals or acquire new skills. The important thing is that you don’t give up. If you make a decision as a mom that doesn’t turn out favorably, take it as an opportunity to learn. Once you’ve identified the issues, you can use this information to make better decisions going forward. Eventually, it will be second nature, and you’ll feel more confident.
Affirm Yourself
While it’s nice to get words of encouragement from others, you must also learn how to lift yourself up. A great way to build your confidence as a mom is to affirm yourself. Write down a few positive affirmations and say them out loud every day. When you start to feel down or doubt your abilities, revisit the list and remind yourself how amazing you are. The more you affirm yourself, the more confident you will feel.
Don’t let societal or personal expectations rob you of the beautiful experience of parenting. No woman is perfect, no child is the same, and there is no one-size-fits-all method to raising children. The best thing you can do is go with the flow, learn as you go, surround yourself with fantastic support, and before long, you’ll begin to believe what your kids already know – that you’re the best mom in the world.
