Are you a tired mum who feels like she's drowning in the sea of motherhood responsibilities, trying to do well and juggle it all, but not feeling like you're excelling in any area?
You're not alone.
As a Sydney based sleep consultant, midwife, and mum of two, I've been through those same struggles.
Let me introduce you to the "Good Enough" Parenting Movement – a path I stumbled upon during my own journey through motherhood. It led me to a profound realisation: striving for perfection in every role we play—mother, wife, and business owner—only leads to burnout, anxiety and depression.
The Pressure of The Perfect Mum:
It's all too easy to fall prey to the notion of being the "perfect" mum, especially when we're bombarded with images of seemingly flawless parents on social media. But, in reality, it often leaves us feeling inadequate, overwhelmed and like we're failing.
We're expected to be superhuman, effortlessly managing the ever-increasing cost of living, while also being impeccable mothers, wives, and endlessly entertaining our children. It feels like a never ending list of demands.
Can you relate?
The Breaking Point:
This pursuit of perfectionism took a toll on my well-being, and my relationship with my children suffered. I found myself short tempered and easily frustrated especially with them. Desperate to ‘get it right' my over-parenting was actually stealing my joy, and I couldn’t ignore the fact my children were feeling it too.
I knew I needed to change.
Discovering "Good Enough":
Enter the "Good Enough" Parenting Movement—a breath of fresh air in a world that often expects the impossible from mothers.
It acknowledges that mums are not superheroes but humans. Our children need to see that perfection is not possible and that making mistakes is a fundamental part of life. What truly matters is how we repair and recover from those mistakes, teaching our children resilience and empathy along the way.
Embracing Self-Compassion:
I began to adapt "good enough" to my own parenting style.
Striving for perfection left me depleted, exhausted and run down. I have recognised my children did not need perfect, they needed me as my best, most happiest self.
I understood that healthy parent-child connection is not based on perfect parenting. But instead love, affection and attention for not only my children, but also myself.
Learning to be kinder to myself has helped me be a better mum. My children see my vulnerability and imperfections.
I am learning to create boundaries, share the load, ask for help and letting the kids play without being micromanaged/entertained all day long.
The "Good Enough" Parent:
Today, I am proud to call myself a "Good Enough" parent:
I love my children, but I've also learned to love myself.
I've come to terms with the fact that I'm not perfect; I make mistakes, just like all of us.
I've learnt to show my children the invaluable lesson of how to navigate through our mistakes.
I've established clearer boundaries, making room for exercise and enjoying a cup of coffee when it’s hot, regardless of what the house or the kids need. Because, just like you, I deserve that.
I know you are tired, and I want you to know that it's okay to find this hard, to not be perfect, but to still get through it. I’m here to encourage you to put yourself higher on the priority list, and to embrace the beautiful messiness of motherhood, and remember that your children need to see your humanity just as much as they need your love.
In a world that often glorifies perfection, the "Good Enough" Parenting Movement offers a lifeline to tired mums like us. It reminds us that we don't have to be superheroes—just loving, compassionate parents who are willing to grow and learn alongside our children.
I am here to help you on this journey, because motherhood would be easier with a little more sleep and a lot more self-compassion. Book your free call today.
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