Embracing the “Good Enough” Mum Mentality
Photo by Artem Podrez
As a mother, it's natural to want to give your children the best of everything - the best education, the best toys, the best experiences, and of course, the best version of yourself. However, striving for perfection can be exhausting and, ultimately, unattainable. That’s where the "good enough" mentality comes in!
What is the “Good Enough” Mentality?
Embracing the "good enough" mum mentality means letting go of the idea that everything has to be perfect and realizing that doing your best is enough. It means giving yourself permission to make mistakes and recognizing that your children can still thrive despite your imperfections.
One of the key benefits of adopting a "good enough" mindset is that it frees up time and energy to focus on what's really important. Rather than spending hours stressing over every detail, you can prioritize what truly matters, such as spending quality time with your children, building strong relationships, and creating a nurturing home environment.
How It Makes You a Better Parent
The "good enough" mentality also models healthy behavior for your children. When your children see that you are not perfect and that you don't have to be, it gives them permission to make mistakes and learn from them. It also teaches them that they don't have to be perfect to be loved and valued! These are essential life lessons that can help your kids break the cycle of people-pleasing and performance.
Of course, there may be times when you feel like you're not doing enough or that you could be doing more. When this happens, it's important to remember that it's okay to ask for help. That means letting go of the idea that you have to do everything yourself and being open to seeking help when you need it. This can make you a better parent by allowing you to focus on your strengths and delegate tasks that may not be your strong suit.
Sometimes you need someone to help you watch the kids and other times you may just need a friend to talk to. Whether it's from a spouse, family member, or friend, there's no shame in reaching out for support when you need it. This doesn’t negate your ability to do “enough” for your children. In fact, rather than a sign of weakness I see asking for help as a sign of parental maturity– we weren’t meant to do this all alone!
Ultimately, embracing the "good enough" mom mentality can be a powerful tool for creating a happier, more balanced life for both you and your children. By letting go of perfection and prioritizing what truly matters, you can create a nurturing home environment where your children can thrive and you can find joy in the journey of motherhood.