Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Real Mom or Super Mom?

Wow. I wish I wrote this whole post myself, because this is how I feel a lot of times! Whether you are in a family where both parents work, only one works, or are a single parent, there are some problems we ALL face. BALANCE: where to find it - and once you get it, how to keep it?


We all go through seasons of financial struggle and life struggles. As a single mom, I know I can't "have it all" and to think I can be "super" mom, "super" teacher, "super" friend and "super" involved in church, school, work, etc. would just make me SUPER exhausted. Sometimes in just keeping it simple, I AM exhausted. I don't know if my blog always reflects that. Since the school year started, sometimes I feel I only have time to post the 'fun' stuff on the bloggy blog and skip mentioning the nights we ate mac 'n cheese, had to turn around and go back home because we forgot a school instrument or were a half hour late to practice because work called a meeting.  But that's REAL life.


And you know what? Any time I DO run around and try to be super mom, all that happens is my cape gets all tangled and caught up, making me helpful to NO ONE, especially my two boys -- who were the two reasons why I was running around in the first place.  SO, here is one mom's perspective on remembering priorities and "keeping it REAL."


 {Pinterest}


"How to Save Your Family: Be a “Real Mom” not Supermom. 
By: Rebecca Hagelin {from crosswalk.com}
Remember, Supermom is a cartoon character.

The University of Washington researchers found that the moms who were happiest were those who held a realistic view of the challenges of combining work and family. They knew the juggling act was tough, so they adjusted their lives to fit that reality.

What does that mean in real life?

First, take off the rose-colored glasses and assess your life realistically.  What are your family’s priorities?  Do your activities and time  match those priorities? Or is the time you spend scattered over a multitude of less important tasks, while your most important relationships go untended? Resolve to give your best time and energy to those who matter most: God and family. Be willing to make changes---scaling back on less important commitments—to reflect your real priorities.

Second, embrace your own imperfect reality.   Single parent? Financial struggles?  Your own temperament and imperfections? Your life’s script unfolds with unique characters and an original plot line---how you spend time and invest yourself will reflect your own messy, imperfect reality. This is how it’s meant to be, for you, right now. Accept with peace what you can’t change, and work diligently to change the important things that are within your power to affect.

Third, don’t compare yourself to other “more perfect” moms.  Everyone struggles.  Some challenges remain hidden from the public eye and others are much more visible.  Have confidence that you can handle your unique situation—don’t add the burden of imagining that someone else would do it better.
 {elembee.com via Pinterest}

Finally, rediscover the richness of life—family life in particular—woven into small acts of service, mundane tasks, and daily routines. Make it a point to notice, enjoy and savor the every day “little” things your children do. Be there for the daily life, not just the “big” events.
And that mental Supermom cape? Put it away until later this month when Halloween arrives – and then discard it for good on November 1st along with all the other nutty costumes!"

AMEN sista. It's a good reminder to me anyways. Because THESE little guys are what matter:



And remember: you don't have to be "Supermom" to be a SUPER mom! :o) {Special thanks to my own super mom today who visited over the weekend, came to my boys' football games and emailed me this article. Love you mom!} And to all my blogging mommas - I think you are super too! Have a great week and God Bless! xo

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7 comments:

  1. Great post and Balance is a constant struggle here. It's easy to not post all of our terrible days of forgetfulness and peanut butter and jelly dinners. Going to give you a shot out on facebook and am your newest follower. Come by sometime www.throughtheeyesofthemrs.com

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  2. Thanks so much for your post! I am sick and have a bad case of "mommy guilt" today. It's nice to have a reminder that I dont have to do it all to be a good mom!

    xo Sarah

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  3. Thanks for sharing this, Reannah. I always love your posts and this was definitely one that reminded me of what is important in life. :)

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  4. Hey, let me tell ya...with 6 kids I sure know how to embrace our own imperfect reality...as a matter of fact I may be too good at the imperfect part! Haha! I'm a real mom, but for the record, I just wear the cape because it looks good! :D Great post!

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  5. I think you are super too! Thanks for the great post!

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