I am out there at my work; I wonder if he is doing alright at the day care!

Today I gave him half extra hour of screen time, but clearing that pile of bins was such a must!

He left early this morning; I hope he is hale and hearty!

No matter how drastically the world might have changed, mothers sail in the same boat when it comes to bringing our children up. While motherhood introduces you to a new world of hope and happiness, there are myriad of emotions that overwhelm you at times– emotions of guilt, fears, worries and disappointments. Your heart is not at peace when you don’t find enough time to spend with your child. You feel a strong pinch yourself when you use harsh words to your child. You have a sense inadequacy for yourself when your child doesn’t seem to be exploring his right potential.

Here I just wish to say to all the mother’s to take a break, sit down and realize what you deserve.

All you deserve is a pat on your back for being so brave. Brave, because it has never been easy for you to leave your little one behind and go to work. Nothing is above that tiny soul.  However, work is important too– important so that you are more efficiently able to handle the finances and give your child a better and secure future It is important because you are passionate to your cause — the cause that makes you what you are today. Your heart wrenches with that wistful look into the eyes of your child who thinks that he would probably be able to bargain for your day today. However, you continue to fulfill your duties of what your work demands of you. And in that process you forego those innumerable moments of their childhood.  May all such mothers have enough quality time with to spend with their children one day!

You deserve a pat because you are selfless.  Selfless because when you embraced motherhood, there was just no looking back. When you could have chosen to work or any other thing in this world, you chose to spend your precious moments with your little ones so that you are there to enjoy all their milestones and give an undivided you to them. From the day your child is born, your mind and body is constantly at work demanding the extreme out of you. You are up there cooking, cleaning the spills and the mess, picking and dropping, handling disputes, educating, playing- and all this with no material rewards. There are times when you are overwhelmed carrying the responsibilities and moments when your entire world comes tearing apart. But then you again buckle up, hold on tightly and enjoy this complicated ride. That is what motherhood is all about after all!

You deserve a pat because you are constantly battling your fears– fear of being misunderstood, fear of leaving your kids in someone else’s authority, fear of not getting back the same love as you do, fear of failing as a teacher. You are constantly trying to meet the expectations that you (or may be others) set for yourself; judging your choices, actions and inactions. By every way and means, you are just trying to give enough –your time, attention and lessons of life. 

While you need to realize that your presence is indispensable to all others around you, you also need to realize amongst all this there is a YOU– which is so very important. Your physical and mental well-being is the foremost for the happiness of all around you. When the time seems tough and the going gets a little difficult than the usual remember the following:

• Go easy– All you need is to slow down and go easy on yourself. Fear –but fight your fears to the extent they let you do better.  Worry–but don’t let that feeling be your only constant.  Get yourself out of the maze of the emotions that will hinder you to bond with your children. Tell yourself you are wonderful and you are doing an amazing job. Play, laugh, read, tickle, dance, go to the park and let all your worries disappear in those moments of joy.

• Take time out for yourself– Don’t forget to take moments out for yourself, whatever makes you feel better to refresh and rewind. Indulge in self-care, chat with a friend, take a quick walk or some quiet time to read. It can work as your instant motivation. Remember a motivated mother will be able to raise motivated kids.

• Be realistic– You are constantly on the go; doing multiple tasks and playing multiple roles. Don’t attach unrealistic expectations with yourself so that you find it too heavy to carry the responsibility. If it makes you feel better to leave the house messy and relax in your pyjamas then let it be so. Don’t get hooked with your do-it-all mentality and give yourself grace of not being perfect. There is nothing like a perfect mother. Perfection is in the effort of striving to be perfect.

• Count your blessings– No wonder parenting seems hard and the life may take a toll on you, but don’t forget to count your blessings. The unique child that God has blessed you with and the tremendous opportunity he gives to bring out the best in you is yet all in itself. With him you get moments to ponder, discover, evaluate and do all what makes you a better version of you. Just enjoy and live into it!