A Guiltess Mommy

Hey, friends!

It seems like lately I've been seeing an awful lot of blog posts, articles, and conversations regarding something called "Mommy Guilt". In fact, I've read some posts where women have claimed to lay awake at night just re-playing moments of their day back in their minds and wishing they had acted or said something different to their children.

I commend these kinds of mother's for being so concerned for their children. After all, raising a child is no easy task. I mean, we as parents are literally responsible for teaching and training that soul. Parenthood is not a job to be taken lightly.

Maybe we were a little too hard on our children one day. Maybe we let them get away with just a little too much. Maybe we spoke harsh words in anger and wished we could instantly reel them back in. Maybe we were too busy cleaning to give them the attention they so craved that day. All of these things are legitimate concerns. 

But do we, as Mommy's, really think we are giving our children the best versions of ourselves when we are consistently laden with "Mommy Guilt"?

I really believe any guilt we may feel stems out of fear. Fear that we are not doing what's right for our children. But, is it profitable to constantly live in fear of something? 

Now, please don't get me wrong....I'm not saying we should just let our kids fend for themselves, then just hope for the best! I'll be the first to tell you that proper training, teaching, and loving are  key in raising a child. 

 But, I'll be honest.....I have never been one of these Mommy's that has a ton of "Mommy Guilt". 

I in no way am belittling these women, for I really do think they are great mother's just concerned for their kids. But I do think that we, as Christian mothers, can live a life free of fear and without constant worry or guilt. 

Believe me, I am a worry wart. I'm usually the type of person that will allow my fears to begin crippling my every day life. But, even though I may some times allow it to, it's still wrong.

The point is, there will always be days like where we wish we would have done more or maybe acted differently. As much as we may try, we are human and fail almost every day. You and I will never be perfect parents. Why? Because none of us are perfect people. We can only do our best. Do our best and pray that God will take care of our children, even when we cannot. 

I mean, think about it. You literally cannot keep your eyes on all of your children every moment of every day. God has to watch out for them, as well. After all, like I said, we are merely human.

One thing I'm learning is that if I am consistent with my children, it really does make a difference. Consistently loving them, consistently disciplining them when they do wrong, consistently spending time teaching them. All those things matter to them, even as babies. So even if something goes awry during the day, even if maybe I lose my cool due to stress, they know that I love them and cherish them. Thankfully, when I ask the Lord forgiveness in these areas, He forgives me and gives me the grace to move on and continue trying to be a godly Mother.

So, today, if you're feeling bogged down because of "Mommy Guilt", I would encourage you just to let go, and let God. Let go of the worry and guilt, and let God help you be the Mother He wants you to be. Be consistent. Be loving. Spend time teaching your kids, even if it means that the laundry will have to wait. 

After all, this is our only chance to influence their precious little lives. Let's make it count, while asking the Lord to fill in the gaps in the area's we may lack. Praise God for His goodness and mercy to my family and I! I pray He blesses your life as a wife and mother, too. :)