I read a post the other day over at Creative With Kids that really made me think.
The post was about the guilt that comes with being a mother…about banishing the dreaded “Should Mama” (you know…You SHOULD be doing xxx if you REALLY want to be a good mother…if you want to be deserving of this love and worthy of these beautiful children…).
I am the first to admit that I struggle with the Should Mama way more than I want to, and that it sometimes keeps me from enjoying the little moments in our days together.
I have a project in mind to brighten up our dining room/art space, which I will share at some yet-to-be-determined point in the future, but I will say that it involves displaying my growing collection of Instagram photos.
Since I’ve never printed any of them, going through my entire feed and selecting my favorites was a daunting task, but it also reminded me that I have a beautiful, beautiful life. Exactly as it is right now. It’s rarely perfect, it’s not always pretty, and definitely not for the faint of heart, but it is beautiful.
We have adventures.
We make things.
We start new traditions and make memories. (This is the twins’ little “upstairs tree” decorated by them with ornaments from my childhood and my husband’s.)
And during stolen moments (like nap time today) I get to “work” while indulging my creative whims!
All in all, it’s pretty damn amazing. So Should Mama? STEP. OFF.
I’m busy being the best mom for my kids. Just the way I am.
*Photos taken with iPhone 5, edited in Afterlight, shared on Instagram.
I need to kick the should mama in the back and knock her out of my mind too
Thanks for this post, really appreciate it 
I have been thinking about the photos on my FB and Instagram too… I am going to look forward to what you are coming up with
Great post! You are an amazing mom ALL. THE. TIME! Thanks for sharing with us.
I deal with the same struggles as a mom! But lately when I think i’m being too hard on myself to be “perfect”, I remember what it was like growing up with all the excitement of new and imagination. and I remind myself to just let them be kids and learn and experience life their way, and not worry about what growing up “should” be like for them.
Great post
I read that same post, Stephanie, and it resonated with me as well. I think we, as mamas, tend to beat ourselves up over what we don’t do . . . rather than focusing on what we DO with the kiddos.
Lovely way to bring the focus back to the positive.