How to Manage the Mom Guilt: 5 Strategies For Balancing Being Tired, Working and Family

How do you beat the Mom Guilt when you're feeling tired, frustrated and drained?

Oh, the mom guilt. I have felt so much of it myself that I had to write out this article and break down some ways that have worked for me to help smile through the tears when the going gets tough.

It's that nagging feeling that no matter how much you do, it's never quite enough. It seems like all the things from forgetting backpacks & permission slips to not wanting to cook dinner again this week because you're exhausted; mom guilt has a way of creeping in and making you doubt your supermom capabilities.

But fear not, fellow tired mothers! Today, we will tackle that sneaky mom guilt head-on and give ourselves the space and permission to be human - that we deserve.

Embrace the Craziness!

Let's face it, motherhood is messy, dirty, gross, and often overwhelming. Literally. Cheerios on the floor, toys strewn about as if a tornado touched down like the Wizard of Oz, and sticky handprints on every single surface—sound familiar? Instead of letting the chaos send you into a guilt spiral, embrace it! Remember, a messy house is a sign of an active & happy family (or so I keep telling myself).

So, sit back, ignore the clutter (for now), and revel in the beautiful crazy life that surrounds you and spend today enjoying it.

You can also embrace it and release all your feelings by using one of our Tired Mother Venting Journals: https://amzn.to/3WnseqB

Treat Yourself Like a Queen

As moms, we tend to put ourselves last on the priority list and everyone else's needs and wants go before ours. But guess what? You deserve some TLC too! Take a break from the endless to-do list and pamper yourself in all the ways that you can. Whether it's a glass of wine, hot bath, a solo trip to the mall (hello, uninterrupted shopping!), or indulging in that box of chocolates you've been hiding from the kids, we must make sure to treat ourselves like the queens we are.

Remember, a happy mom means a happy family.

It's Okay to Ask for Help

Repeat after me: It's okay to ask for help.

It's a good thing to reach out. Your people want to help you. Whether it's enlisting your partner, calling in reinforcements from the grandparents, or hiring a babysitter for a well-deserved break, don't be afraid to reach out. You're not in this motherhood gig alone, even though it may feel like it and there's no shame in needing a helping hand now and then. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child—and to keep mom's sanity intact.

Let Go of Perfection

Newsflash: You're not perfect. Neither am I. And that's perfectly okay! So what if dinner tonight is PB&J sandwiches for the fourth night in a row? Your kids won't starve, I promise. Let go of the need to be Pinterest-perfect all the time. Embrace the imperfections, laugh at the mishaps, and know that your best is always more than enough.

Celebrate the Wins, Big or Small

Amid the chaos and never-ending mom duties, don't forget to celebrate the wins, no matter how small. Find yourself a support sister and tell her about it because someone does care that you are doing things for yourself. Did you manage to get everyone dressed and out the door on time? Victory! Did you remember to pack snacks for the soccer game? Gold star! Celebrate those little victories because, let's be real, every small win counts when you're juggling a million things at once.

A Reminder for All the Moms Out There

To all the tired, overworked, and underappreciated moms out there, this one's for you: You are amazing. You are doing the best you can. And you are more than enough. So, the next time mom guilt comes knocking, show it the door and let your mom superpowers shine. You've got this, momma!

Remember, mom guilt may be a pesky little monster, but with a sprinkle of self-love, a dash of humor, and a whole lot of grace, you can conquer it. So, here's to all the moms out there—chin up, crown straight, and mom guilt at bay. You're unstoppable!

Embrace the chaos, queen!

By tackling mom guilt with a sprinkle of humor and a whole lot of self-love, you can navigate the ups and downs of motherhood with grace and confidence. So, cheers to all the amazing moms out there—you've got this!