I’m a good mom. I stayed home to put the kids to bed and went to meet friends afterward. I’m a good mom. I let my husband do bedtime tonight, and I skipped out to meet friends.

I’m a good mom. I take all the kids to all the things. I’m a good mom. I pick and choose who I take and where we go.

I’m a good mom. I’m flexible with schedules. I’m a good mom. I keep a consistent routine.

I’m a good mom. I let my kids watch TV. I’m a good mom. The TV stays off in our house.

I’m a good mom. Dinner is usually picked up or unfrozen. I’m a good mom. I cook from scratch as much as I can.

I’m a good mom. I do birthdays and birthday parties up BIG. I’m a good mom. Birthday parties are small and simple–preferably somewhere I don’t have to clean up!

I’m a good mom. I encourage my kids to solve things on their own. I’m a good mom. I stay connected with the teacher and act as a buffer.

I’m a good mom. I let the siblings work. it. out. I’m a good mom. I jump in and help mediate conflicts.

I’m a good mom. I go to work during the day. I’m a good mom. My work is inside our home.

I’m a good mom. I breastfeed all my babies. I’m a good mom. Formula all the way.

I’m a good mom. I’ve been working on Halloween costumes for months. I’m a good mom. I’ll throw together a costume at the last minute.

I’m a good mom. I work as hard as I can every single day for my children and our family. I love my children. I’m doing my absolute best. Give me grace. I’m a good mom. I work as hard as I can every single day for our children and our family. I love my children. I’m doing my absolute best. Give me grace.

Mamas, we are all so different, all so wonderful, all so unique in our own values, beliefs, and abilities. Most importantly, we are all doing our best. YOU are a good mom. Even if your choices are different that others. Even if you don’t do things exactly like your neighbor. You serve from the heart, and you work from the heart. And in this crazy thing called parenting, that’s what matters most.

Find the joy~

Jessica

Jessica McCauley, M.Ed. is a parenting coach/consultant. She draws on her background as a Montessori educator and Child Life Specialist to help families navigate the challenges of the early childhood years. Contact Jessica at http://smallhandsbigsteps.com/contact/ for more information or to schedule a consultation.