LETTING GO OF PARENTAL GUILT

Feeling like you're not doing well enough as a mother is an experience that many women suffer with. How can you dismantle this difficult feeling?

Guilt is something that nearly every parent will experience at some point. Whether it’s the nagging feeling that you’re not doing enough or the worry that you’re doing it all wrong, guilt can creep into your mind and settle in, making even the most confident parents doubt themselves. But here’s the truth - parental guilt is often based on unrealistic expectations and, more importantly, it’s something you can learn to manage. So, how can you liberate yourself from this negative cycle of emotions and distance yourself from any impossible expectations you might have placed yourself under?

WHERE DOES GUILT STEM FROM?

Parental guilt often comes from the high standards we set for ourselves. In a world where social media constantly showcases perfect family moments and society puts pressure on parents to ‘have it all’, it’s easy to feel like you’re falling short. Perhaps you’re working full-time and worry you’re not spending enough time with your little ones. Maybe you gave in to screen time after a long day, or you lost your temper during a stressful moment. These situations can trigger ‘mom guilt’ because they conflict with this idealised version of parenthood we all have in our minds.

ADVICE OVERLOAD

There’s also the societal pressure to conform to certain parenting ideals. We are bombarded with advice from wellmeaning friends, family members and endless experts, each with their own views on what ‘good parenting’ looks like. Whether it’s breastfeeding versus bottle-feeding, stay-at-home parenting versus working outside the home, or strict discipline versus gentle parenting, the sheer number of choices can leave you feeling like you’re always making the wrong decision.