Confusion. Apprehension. Exhaustion. Whether I like it or not, those will always be a part of keeping up with motherhood and all the things that come with it.
Even if I am in a season where the children are all in Elementary; and they have no need for milk and diaper changes every few hours, I still feel confused, apprehensive and exhausted.
Tutoring three children make my head spin most of the time. I get confused about the schedules and the coverages of the quizzes; also regarding the things they need to bring for school, I have to check their notebooks multiple times.
I am apprehensive about what I’m feeding my kids. Must the food be really organic? But, it’s so expensive! Speaking of food, I also worry about my children learning life skills. We can never tell how much time I have left, would they survive without me? They must know how to prepare their own food. Plus, washing their clothes and other chores.
Keeping up with motherhood is keeping up with our children’s wellbeing.
I am exhausted because they bicker and argue one moment; and then laugh together the next. Are they crazy? Do they have split personalities? I would play referee to no avail. Honestly, I want to not care.
Keeping up with expectations
On top of these school work, health and independence issues, as a mother, a lot is expected from me.
I must have a business or thriving work that supplements my husband’s income. My children must be included in the honour roll and must have various activities. I must be able to drive my kids to said activities. My house must be immaculate. I should be good at cooking healthy dishes.
Keeping up with motherhood in 2018 is hard work, yet I should not look like I’m struggling. I need to be calm and serene-looking, as moms of today are encouraged to care for themselves. They must not look older than they are. They must not lose their temper. There’s make-up to cover the eyebags and other flaws. They should not look frumpy since there are a lot of mom-friendly and tasteful clothes out there. They must exercise – go to the gym or do yoga or Pilates.
As if these expectations were not enough, moms of today need to have a cool and functional co-sleeper or crib or playpen or carrier or stroller. They need to have the bento lunchboxes and bento accessories for their children’s baon.
Keeping up with response to expectations
I have nothing against mothers who are doing some of these. In fact, I really admire moms who exceed these expectations. I am glad for them who feel accomplished and rewarded doing these.
And, to moms like me who cannot complete the whole checklist, it’s all right. For mothers like me who are overwhelmed by everything, it’s all right.
It’s all right to ugly cry, wipe our tears then try again.
The only expectations that we are trying to meet, are the only ones we impose on ourselves.
Each person continues to learn. We can even ask for tips from these well-rounded moms. Most of all, we can ask for strength, wisdom and guidance from the Lord through His Word.
James 1:5 New International Version (NIV)
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Keeping up with motherhood using social media
Social media has been helping moms in these ways:
- Communicating with other mothers with whom we have much in common. Making mom friends!
- Learning from other mothers’ mistakes. We cannot live long enough to make each and every mistake; nor can we afford to.
- The best products to help us take care of our babies. Reading reviews or asking for their opinions are also ways to learn from other mommies.
- Getting recommendations – for schools, places to visit, party suppliers, etc.
But, social media is just a tool to mold us into better moms. It must not be something that would cause us to feel envy, to feel put down or to feel superior.
Keeping up with motherhood is like they say, keeping up with our own journey. It’s not keeping up with another mum’s motherhood journey!
How do you keep up with your motherhood journey in these trying times? Any tips? You can share in the comment box!
