What To Do if You Have Mom Guilt

If you feel like you’re never doing enough, you may suffer from mom guilt.

These feelings are temporary and do not mean you are a bad parent. If not handled correctly, this guilt can transform into depression and anxiety.

As a parent, I have gone through mom guilt many times, and here are the things you should do if you have mom guilt too.

Identify What is Causing the Guilt

First and foremost, you need to understand what is causing your mom guilt. Did your child cry more than normal today? Did you yell at your little one when you should have kept your cool? There are many reasons why you would feel guilty. I find it best to truly realize why I was feeling that way before I come up with the solution.

Don’t Bash Yourself

When I became a mom, I continuously blamed myself for every little mishap or hiccup. By doing this, I kept dragging myself lower and lower to the point where I felt like I was the worst mom in the world. But here’s the thing I had to learn– that it’s hard being a parent, and no parent or child is perfect. Your main goal is to make yourself and your child happy. So, instead of focusing on the negative, relish all the positive or happy moments you and your child had that day. Whenever I feel like a horrible mom, I remember all the laughs I gave my baby that day.

Listen to Your Children and Intuition

Mom guilt and overanalyzing go hand in hand. Instead of listening to all the voices in your head, listen to your children and intuition. Children, even infants, can express to you what is wrong or what they want. All you have to do is listen. Plus, that gut feeling you have is usually right, so follow what it has to say.

Talk to a Professional

As a parent, we sometimes forget that we aren’t alone on this journey through parenthood. You should always reach out to your partner, family, friends, and other parenting communities to help support you through parenthood. However, sometimes that doesn’t always help. When you feel like you have nowhere else to go, you should always turn to a professional. Talking to a counselor or therapist can help you understand and overcome your mom's guilt. They can even give you further resources and advice on how to handle some parenting situations. I recommend calling around to find the perfect professional for you.

By following these tips above, you can overcome mom guilt. And remember, you are not a bad parent.