Bad Mom Stories

I was just talking to a friend who was feeling a bit unsure of her 
mothering.  She said that she felt as if she was the only one who is 
struggling and wondered why she was having such a hard time with her 
child, when everyone else seemed to be sailing along just fine.

I asked her if she had any friends who she could share her “Bad Mom 
Stories” with.  She shook her head, “No, I wish, that I didn’t feel so 
alone.”

Just so you know, you’re not alone.  We’ve all had our moments. We’ve 
all done or said things that we’re not proud of.  We’re human.  Kids 
don’t come with instruction manuals and it can be impossible to think 
logically and rationally when you’re child is melting down in front of 
a crowd in the grocery store.  Give yourself a break and take a moment 
to breathe.  We all make mistakes, we all feel as if we could do 
better.  Welcome to the club.

Why don’t we talk about it?  Well, I think it stems from some 
insecurity.  We have to project to the outside world that, 'We’re just 
fine, thank you very much', while inside we might be feeling less than 
perfect.  It’s because that’s the norm.  Until we feel safe and 
comfortable opening up, we’re not going to be vulnerable and share our 
“Bad Mom stories” with just anyone.

When my son was in preschool, it took a few weeks before the parent 
meetings became “REAL”.  Before then, everything was JUST FINE with 
everyone.  It took a few brave souls to admit that they were 
struggling, and then the flood gates opened up and moms whose children 
seemed like perfect angels to the rest of us, related that actually 
there were tantrums and out of control behavior.  Whew, you mean it’s 
not just me?

Gradually, we became more comfortable sharing the challenges and 
feeling secure that we were all in the same boat, and could support 
each other.

Ok, here you go,  here’s a place for support and to share your 
stories, if you need a safe place.