Mom Guilt Is Real But You’re Doing More Than Enough
There’s no handbook for parenting, but there’s definitely a voice many mothers know too well. The one that creeps in at the end of the day and asks, “Did I do enough?” That feeling? It’s called Mom Guilt, and it’s more common than you think.
Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a working caregiver, or balancing both worlds, the pressure to “do it all” can feel like a heavy weight. But here’s the truth: you’re already doing more than enough.
What Is Mom Guilt, Really?
Mom guilt isn’t about being a bad mother, it’s about being an incredibly caring one. It comes from wanting to give your child everything, even when your own energy is running low.
You might feel it when:
- You miss a recital because of work
- You raise your voice after a long, draining day
- You let screen time run a little longer so you can breathe
But none of these things make you a bad mother. They make you human.
The Myth of the Supermom
Modern parenting is full of pressure. Social media highlights flawless routines, color-coded lunchboxes, and Pinterest-worthy playdates. But what we often forget is that we’re only seeing the filtered version.
The myth of the “perfect mom” sets impossible standards. And chasing those ideals only feeds the cycle of burnout, exhaustion, and comparison.
The truth? Your child doesn’t need perfection. They need you, tired, messy, real, and full of love.
Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Sometimes, it helps to reframe the narrative. Instead of focusing on what you didn’t do, ask yourself:
- Did I hug my child today?
- Did I listen, even for a few minutes?
- Did I try, even when I felt overwhelmed?
If the answer is yes, even to one of those, you’re showing up in the most meaningful way. And your child notices that love, not the missed moments.
Release the Pressure
Mom guilt thrives in silence. It grows when you keep your worries to yourself and compare your worst days to someone else’s best moments. But you don’t have to carry it alone.
Talk about it. Laugh through it. Cry when you need to. And above all, give yourself grace.
Because one day, your child will look back and remember how safe they felt, how loved they were, and how you always made time for what mattered most.
And that? That’s more than enough.
A Story That Says It All
In I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus by Erin Shular, a child imagines their parent with eight arms, able to do everything from cooking and cleaning to playing and hugging at the same time. But what they really crave isn’t a superhuman multitasker, it’s connection.
This gentle, beautifully illustrated story reminds parents that being emotionally present matters more than doing it all.
Order your copy of “I Wish My Mommy Was an Octopus” and gift yourself (and your child) a heartwarming perspective on what truly counts.