Our culture places enormous—and often unnecessary—burdens on parents, especially mothers. Moms often feel guilty for doing things that were part of their normal routine before they had children. Working out or spending time with your significant other doesn’t make you a bad parent: it makes you a healthy, well-rounded human being. Get rid of the guilt with these important reminders.
You’re setting an example.
You want your kids to know it’s okay for parents to have a life of their own, outside the context of being a parent. If you teach by example, you are showing them what it’s like to be an adult—it’s not just being a parent, and it’s not all fun and play. It’s valuable for kids to realize this even from a very young age.
Self-care makes you a better caretaker.
When you fly, flight attendants always instruct you to put on your own oxygen mask before helping your child. Even safety professionals know that if you can’t take care of yourself, you can’t help anyone else—especially during an emergency. Family life is no different.
Alone time is a must.
Having alone time to work out, read a book, take a bubble bath, or whatever it is you do to relax and recharge, is vital. When you acknowledge you need care and take steps necessary to obtain it, you are giving yourself the tools to become a healthier individual. This will help you be more present when you are with your child.
The next time you come down with a case of mommy guilt stop and think about what you want to teach your child. In order to raise a person who is capable of self-love, you must show them how you practice self-love. Mommy guilt is hard on you and your child, so banish that guilt for good!
