The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/652023
PARENTING B eing a mom is hard. You will make plenty of mistakes along the way. The problem isn't the messy, stinky, loud and chaotic reality of motherhood. The problem is we expect it to be different. When our expectations don't match our reality, we start to wonder what we are doing wrong. The answer is nothing. You are embarking on a journey filled with boogers, crap and a whole lot of humility, but most of all, adventure and love. Embrace it, expect it and forgive the imperfections. Here's an excerpt from the opening of my book "Lose that Mommy Guilt, Tales and Tips from an Imperfect Mom" "As the baby grows the mommy guilt grows. It doesn't matter how good of a mom you are, you will find a way to beat yourself up over something. I am here to say that it does not have to be that way. As moms we are amazing and we don't recognize it enough. The next time you find yourself in an emotional place and the mommy guilt starts to grow—stop and breathe. Remind yourself that you can do this. It will be okay. All moms feel mom guilt, some more than others. We all want to be perfect. Guess what—you will be far from perfect and that's okay. You got this. You do not need to let perfect get in the way of amazing parenting." So remember to embrace the spit up stain on your blouse, toys covering your living room floor and the middle of the night feedings because, trust me, they will be gone sooner than you realize. For all those mommies out there just know you are amazing, fantastic, human and real. *For more stories and tips on topics from breastfeeding and play-dates to food allergies and head-lice check out the new book, "Lose that Mommy Guilt, Tales and Tips from an Imperfect Mom." When our expectations don't match our reality, we start to wonder what we are doing wrong. The answer is nothing. 64 www.thedigestonline.com