My sister and I are close in age; both have three children, and we were discussing mom burnout recently. We are feeling it, and maybe it’s summer, and the lack of routine and alone time is mounting. I also think we are feeling this way because we have been everything to everyone we love for about 20 years. We are fried.
We are in midlife mode. We feel as though we created this monster world. I think it’s just life being a woman and a mom, but I have some advice for you gentle, dear younger mom readers. Here is what I would say to my younger mom self.
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- Let people be wrong about you.
- Stop doing everything for everyone.
- Don’t be so nice.
- Perfectionism is overrated.
- Go to the dentist.
- Move your body every single day.
- Focus on what you can control.
- It’s ok if the house is messy.
- Less is more.
- Make time for date nights.
- Make time for sex.
- Make time to be silly.
- Go away without the children at least once a year.
- Hand-me-downs are awesome; take them and say thank you, save the money.
- Literally, dance in the rain.
- The kids are alright.
- Don’t always be the cruise director.
- You are doing a fantastic job! You go girl!
- Go with the smaller house.
- “No” is a complete sentence.
- Be cute for you.
- Mom’s role is different from Dad’s role.
- Make time to play while the kids still want to.
- Pick up and hold your kids as much as you can.
- Hugs are always a good idea, even when the kids are teenagers.
This list came out longer than I expected! The beginning of motherhood is such an exciting time that you want to be everything for your baby and family. It’s impossible to know how you’ll feel 20 years later, but I hope my list helps even a little.
