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8 Signs Moms Are Doing Great Without Even Realizing It

I’ve gone through a few jobs in my life: babysitter, tutor, piano teacher, engineer, to name a few. Some I loved, others not so much, but I worked hard at each one with varying levels of success. Motherhood, though, is a unique experience, because it is the one “job” where we cannot fail. It is up to us to raise these children who have been entrusted to us and to do it well. And some days—most days—that feels like a daunting task.

It’s no wonder we often feel inadequate. The demands of parenting are weighty. But let me just offer some encouragement for moms: You are doing a great job. In fact, sometimes the clearest signs of a great mom are the easiest to miss. Here are 8 you’re probably overlooking.

1. You are exhausted…

…because you are working hard. It is no small task to wake up in the night with an infant, potty-train a toddler, or deal with adolescent drama. If you think you’re doing it wrong because you’re tired, here’s encouragement for moms that you should take to heart: I have yet to find a stage of parenting that doesn’t take a lot of physical or emotional energy. You’re giving this your all, and that’s commendable.

2. You make mistakes…

…because you are teaching them real life. Few experiences are more humbling than asking for forgiveness from a toddler, but it is so important. They need to see that you are not perfect, that you accept responsibility for your mistakes, and that you are willing to apologize. This sets a far better example for them than constantly trying to be perfect.

3. Your children make mistakes…

…because, well, they’re human. And teaching them how to deal with their mistakes is part of our job. Let your kids see that their choices have consequences but that you will always love them. Because, of course, you will.

Let your kids see that their choices have consequences but that you will always love them. Click To Tweet

4. You make them do chores…

…because you are teaching them to be responsible. They will not always be little, and you are preparing them for adulthood by teaching them that life isn’t always about playing.

5. You let them out of their chores…

…because you are teaching them that life is about more than just work. That and we need to extend a little mercy now and then. I know this contradicts the previous point, but isn’t that life, too? You need a little balance.

6. You miss out on fun things with friends…

…because your family is your priority. We’ve all had moments of frustration over a missed moms’ night because a sick child or school play. Somewhere in the recesses of their minds, though, our kids see those choices we make and know they are loved.

7. You take time for yourself…

…because being a happier person makes you a better mom. Yes, sometimes we have to miss out on things we would like to do. But self-care is important, too, and it’s OK to leave a fussy baby with a sitter or put the kids to bed early for a Netflix binge or whatever it is that restores your soul and sanity.

8. You feel guilty…

…because you care. You want the best for them, and that’s not always easily discernible. If my child hates baseball after three weeks, should I make him finish the season or let him quit? If kids are arguing, should I step in or let them sort it out? Public, private, or home school? Our days are full of endless decisions, and what’s right for one family isn’t always right for the next.

Motherhood is not for the faint of heart. But if you’re loving your kids and seeking the best for them, you’re on the right track.

You’ve got this, Mom.

Your turn to offer some encouragement for moms. What’s another easy-to-miss sign that we’re doing a great job?

Katy Epling is a writer and speaker who loves to share about motherhood, special needs parenting, faith, and more. She and her husband, Jon, live in northeast Ohio with their three wonderful children.

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