{"id":4095,"date":"2023-05-24T04:39:02","date_gmt":"2023-05-23T21:39:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/mom-guilt-5-ways-to-avoid-it\/"},"modified":"2023-05-24T04:39:02","modified_gmt":"2023-05-23T21:39:02","slug":"mom-guilt-5-ways-to-avoid-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=4095","title":{"rendered":"Mom Guilt: 5 Ways To Avoid It"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p> <span class=\"drop-cap__first text-dropcap \">F<\/span>ew roles in life have as much pressure heaped on them as being a mom. Mothers are expected to do it all\u2014cater to their kids\u2019 every needs, be a champion cook, and hit up every extracurricular activity, all while keeping things together for themselves (and possibly hold down a fulfilling career on top of everything else). It\u2019s a lot, and it\u2019s no wonder that a growing number of people on social media are opening up about the sometimes tough realities of being a modern mother.<\/p>\n<p>But even with a little more public consciousness about what goes into motherhood, mom guilt still persists. Missing Field Day at school due to work, not being able to make well-balanced meals every night, and losing your temper when it just gets to be too much all have a way of making women feel like sub-par parents. This is <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSLS-1067117%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Flink.springer.com%252Farticle%252F10.1007%252Fs11133-020-09451-2&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fmom-guilt%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s11133-020-09451-2\">especially prevalent in the U.S<\/a>., where there is a general lack of public policy to support working families compared to many other western countries.<\/p>\n<p>Moms too often feel like they have to do it all, while somehow keeping their mental health intact\u2014and it\u2019s got to stop, says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sarahoreckmd.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.sarahoreckmd.com\/\">Sarah Oreck, MD,<\/a> a reproductive psychiatrist and advisor for vitamin brand <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSHL-667327%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fperelelhealth.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fmom-guilt%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/perelelhealth.com\/\">Perelel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe idealization of motherhood is complex and multifactorial,\u201d she says. \u201cOne main driver is our culture and how we depict motherhood. Until recently, pregnancy and motherhood in the media were depicted in one-dimensional terms\u2014all beautiful, joyful, and rewarding without the real, messy stuff.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, Dr. Oreck says there has been a tremendous shift over the past decade in how the media and culture addresses the transition to motherhood, and the expectations that come with it. But the underlying pressures still persist. \u201cThis idealization of motherhood, which is often internalized by many mothers, can lead to feelings of inadequacy and comparison with others, aka mom guilting or mom shaming,\u201d Dr. Oreck says.<\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content \" style=\"\" data-module-init=\"related-content\" data-module-immediate=\"\" v-cloak=\"\">\n<div class=\"related-content__wrapper \" v-cloak=\"\" :class=\"{'is-loaded':isLoaded}\">\n<p> <span class=\"inline pr-6 text-seafoam-dark\">Related Stories<\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <related-content class=\"related-content__links\" parent-article-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/mom-guilt\/\" current-title=\"This Reproductive Psychiatrist Is Begging Moms To Embrace Being a \u2018Good Enough\u2019 Parent\" current-image=\"GettyImages-mom-guilt-425x285.jpg\" v-on:parsely-posts-loaded=\"onPostsLoaded\" start-date=\"2022-11-23\" tag=\"div\" inline-template=\"\" url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/mom-guilt\/\" secret=\"w5ztterVB03LGZJLfXS0hf3EvQBuFFIWew9hmVQxthU\" apikey=\"wellandgood.com\" limit=\"3\"> <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"related-content__card mb-[10px] sm:mb-[20px]\" :class=\"{'related-content__card--full':posts.length === 1}\" v-for=\"(post, key) in posts\"> <a v-on:click.prevent=\"trackLinkGA($event, key)\" :href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/mom-guilt\/post.url\" data-url-source=\"related-content\" class=\"related-content__link\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"\"> <\/p>\n<div class=\"related-content__card--image bg-tan\" :style=\"{ backgroundImage: 'url(' + post.image_url + ')' }\"> <img :src=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/mom-guilt\/post.image_url\" :alt=\"post.title\"\/> <\/div>\n<p> <\/a>  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p> <\/related-content> <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Okay, but what is mom guilt, exactly?<\/h2>\n<p>The term has been thrown around a lot. \u201cMom guilt is a feeling of inadequacy and shame that mothers experience when they feel like they are not doing a good enough job raising their children,\u201d Dr. Oreck says. \u201cIt stems from unrealistic expectations about what motherhood \u2018should\u2019 look like.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ve seen <em>those<\/em> moms on Instagram: Their hair is always perfectly curled, their kids dress in adorable matching outfits, and they love to gush about how they always do fun, outdoorsy activities after enjoying wholesome meals. Viewing content like that can make even the most confident mom feel less-than.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cMany moms focus on everything they perceive they are doing wrong instead of focusing on the wins and the fact that we are all learning on the job when it comes to being a parent,\u201d Dr. Oreck says. \u201cMom guilt can feel overwhelming and lead to feelings of inadequacy, isolation, burnout, and ultimately perinatal mood and anxiety disorders like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/postpartum-depression-rates\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/postpartum-depression-rates\/\">postpartum depression<\/a>.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>5 key ways to avoid the mom guilt cycle<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Recognize when it\u2019s happening<\/h3>\n<p>Dr. Oreck says it\u2019s important to be aware when you\u2019re feeling mom guilt. \u201cRecognizing and naming what mom guilt feels like for you is a good start,\u201d she says. This can give you some emotional distance from the feelings, and is the first step to coming up with a plan to handle them.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Focus on what\u2019s important to you<\/h3>\n<p>It\u2019s crucial to figure out what <em>you<\/em> want being a mom to look like\u2014from a realistic, achievable standpoint.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cFocus on your own path to parenthood and what works for you and your family, not necessarily what others are doing,\u201d Dr. Oreck says. \u201cFocus on the wins and what is going well for you when it comes to parenting.\u201d Maybe getting <a href=\"https:\/\/clicks.trx-hub.com\/xid\/leafgroup_ca5e0_wellgood?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgo.skimresources.com%3Fid%3D104860X1561639%26xs%3D1%26xcust%3DSTMSLS-1067117%26url%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.littlespoon.com%252F&amp;p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fmom-guilt%2F&amp;event_type=click\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.littlespoon.com\/\">ready-to-eat baby food<\/a> delivered gives you more time to spend playing with your kids, or letting the house get messy frees you up for a fulfilling work opportunity. Your mother-in-law might not approve, but if it&#8217;s what works for you, accept it.<\/p>\n<p>Dr. Oreck says it\u2019s important to acknowledge to yourself that you don\u2019t need to do everything perfectly in order for your child to become a good and well-adjusted person. The key is to embrace \u201cgood enough\u201d parenting\u2014meaning, you know you\u2019re doing the best that you can.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>You don&#8217;t need to do everything perfectly in order for your child to become a good and well-adjusted person.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h3>3. Avoid the comparison trap<\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s easy to be influenced by, well, influencers, or even your neighbors and peers. \u201cDon&#8217;t compare yourself to other moms,\u201d says Dr. Oreck. If that means staying off of social media or blocking certain accounts that don\u2019t make you feel great about yourself, then so be it.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Take a break when you can<\/h3>\n<p>If you\u2019re having a rough day or week, Dr. Oreck recommends reminding yourself of this fact: Parenting is hard. \u201cTake a break if you need it and relax and recharge,\u201d she says. \u201cAsking for support and talking to your friends and family can be incredibly helpful.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Of course, many moms don\u2019t feel that they <em>can<\/em> take a break. If you\u2019re one of them, and you need a minute, Dr. Oreck recommends that you \u201cengage your child in something that will keep them entertained for a bit.\u201d That can include reading, a toy they really like, or, yes, screen time. \u201cTaking those five minutes, even if it&#8217;s just on the opposite side of the room as your child, can be incredibly rejuvenating,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p>While it can be tough to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-moms-self-care\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/how-moms-self-care\/\">focus on your own needs<\/a> when you have little ones, Dr. Oreck says it\u2019s important. \u201cTake care of yourself,\u201d she says. \u201cMake sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and move your body. Taking care of yourself will make you a better mom.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>5. If it\u2019s getting to be too much, ask for professional help<\/h3>\n<p>Mom guilt can be a tough thing to shake. If your feelings of guilt are interfering with your ability to parent or enjoy life, you feel overwhelmed or hopeless, or you have thoughts of harming yourself, Dr. Oreck says it\u2019s time to consult a mental health professional.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cA therapist can help you to understand the root of your guilt and to develop healthy coping mechanisms,\u201d she says. \u201cThey can also provide you with support and guidance as you work to overcome your guilt.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"disclaimers__after_content mb-[18px] mt-[16px] pt-[16px]\">\n<div class=\"outline-earmark relative mt-[8px] pt-[10px] pl-[20px]\">\n<p>\n            Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission.          <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Few roles in life have as much pressure heaped on them as being a mom. Mothers are expected to do it all\u2014cater to their kids\u2019 every needs, be a champion cook, and hit up every extracurricular activity, all while keeping things together for themselves (and possibly hold down a fulfilling career on top of everything &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4096,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4095","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4095","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4095"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4095\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4096"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4095"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4095"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4095"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}