This is my last episode of the "Mom Talks Series."  In this episode I talk about mom guilt and the judgements we face as moms.  I also share perspectives from other moms in hopes of opening the lines of communication and creating a community of support.  

You may find this episode helpful if you are:

• Dealing with Mom Guilt
• Feeling Judged by Other Moms or Being Hard on Yourself
• Want to Relate to What Other Moms May be Feeling or Going Through
• Need Encouragement and Support
• Find Yourself Questioning Your Role as a Mom

We all have our own unique family dynamics.  Whether your a stay at home mom, a working mom, the mom of an only child, a single mother, an expectant mom, or someone who supports moms, I hope you find some helpful takeaways.  

I interviewed a handful of moms who shared their experiences.  Here are some comments I'd like to share:

"There's no manual.  Just love them (Jen Auerbach). 

"Have compassion and each them how to discuss things and learn to be accountable and make their own decisions. As long as I am meeting those goals for myself in my mothering, I feel Accomplished. I used to get hung up on making the most magical experiences for my daughter but I truly see some of the simple things make the more fruitful memories.  I think it also helps the stage of my life too relinquishing a lot of those hangups." 

"As a stay-at-home mom, I sometimes feel judged by working moms. I had a working-mom friend tell me she'd be bored all day if she stayed at home.  I don't know what working moms think stay-at-home moms do all day, but I, for one, never have enough time to get done all I wish I could.  Don't think we sit around eating bon bond all day.  The grass isn't greener.  It's just different grass.  Every job has it's advantages and disadvantages.  It hurts when other moms look at me like I have it easy." 

"Until you are willing to step into someone's mess- and we are all in some kind of mess, until you understand the emotions and experiences and other factors that are contributing to their family dynamics daily you don't have the right to judge. If you see a need, instead of passing judgement, ask how you can help!"

"I don't feel like I'm being judged as a mom as much as I used to.  I am much more confident in my own parenting style and my abilities.  As a younger mom, I absolutely felt I was being judged for working and not having my kids in many activities.  I did try and keep up for the benefit of fitting in and found that wasn't a good match for my family and as time went on I was more at ease with my personal family dynamic and the hell with anyone who did judge me."

"The only time I can think of feeling judged as a mom is when I am often asked if I will return to full time teaching.  When this happens, I feel obligated to explain that my husband now travels a lot.  So...I guess it is then that I sometimes feel judged as a mom because if I didn't, I wouldn't feel the need to explain..."

"I feel like I get judged by stay-at-home moms, or perhaps moms with less demanding careers- first of all, I never know what's going on at school so that makes me feel a little bit inadequate. It doesn't hurt my feelings I just accepted it as, well, these are choices I'm making.  I'd like to point out all the benefits of a stay at home dad."

Hearing these mom perspectives confirmed for me we all have unique dynamics, yet we all want the same for our kiddos. It made me think if we could start with those commonalities and did more to support each other on our journeys and less judgement of others we'd be so much better off and our kiddos would see the examples we set to be open minded and come from a place of love.  

ACTION ITEM:

An action item for you this week could be to do some self-reflection and recognize where you may be judging and/or ask yourself where do you feel judged and why?  And, what can you do to overcome that and change your mindset?

FINAL WORDS: 

I's like to leave you with this quote I found from Bene Brown that reads: "When we can let go of what other people think and own our own story, we gain access to worthiness--the feeling that we are enough just as we are and the we are worthy of love and belonging."

As always, THANK YOU for your continued love and support.  If you enjoy this podcast and/or resonate with this episode, I'd be honored if you'd leave a review or share your comments in my Facebook group- "Find Your Glee with Dinah G."

With Gratitude and Love, 

XOXO

~Dinah G