parenting advice

Feeling Like You're Failing As a Mom

By Barbara Thomas 22 June, 2023 2 mins read

If you ever feel like your mom is failing, you are not alone. Many parents feel like failures, because they don't live upto the expectations of being good parents. The first step in dealing with this feeling of failure is to define your values. Be clear about what is most important to you, and what your expectations are as a parent.

Recognizing the signs that your mom is failing

There are signs that you may be failing your children if you are a new mom. Maybe you don't know what to do with your baby's head. Or maybe you are too busy with one child that you can't find the time to care for two. Perhaps you get angry at your kids because you can't control your temper. While these signs may be difficult to recognize, remember that you're not alone in your failures.

Being a mother means taking better care.

Motherhood can be challenging, especially if it is your first. It is important to remember that your primary goal is to take care of your child. This may prove stressful. You may feel unappreciated and overwhelmed. There are ways that you can take better and more time for yourself as a mom, without feeling guilty.

First of all, avoid feeling guilty about not being a perfect mom. This guilt can have negative implications on your self-worth as well as your self acceptance. It can also lead to depression, anxiety, and poor mental fitness. If you are struggling with mom guilt, try to find a support group for moms. This type of situation can be helped by a coach and/or therapist.

Keeping children safe

You have a responsibility as a mother to protect your children. Protect your children by using proper restraints when driving, ensuring that they are wearing helmets while biking and playing sports, and creating a safe space in your home. Safety gates can be installed to keep your children safe from falling down the stairs and medicines should not be placed in reach. These precautions are essential, but there's always room to improve.

FAQ

How do I know if my child requires more discipline?

Different levels of development mean that children require different amounts and types of discipline.

If your child is very young (under about two years old), then he/she may benefit from being spanked occasionally.

However, if your child is older, he/she may need more structure and guidance.

Before making major parenting changes, it is important to discuss any changes in the behavior of your child with your doctor.

Are the teenage years difficult for parents?

Teenagers can be hard to manage. They may not want the same things you would like. Teenagers may rebel against their parents' authority.

Teenagers are just as dependent on guidance and love as any other age. It's important that teenagers learn to take ownership of their decisions.

They require time to be left alone, with supervision, but not too much freedom. They must know when to seek help.

Teenagers tend to be independent and self-sufficient. Your support is still important to them.

Teens need to feel loved, supported and looked after. They need to look up to their parents and see them as role models.

Teens need to know why certain rules exist. Teens shouldn't drink or smoke.

Parents need to teach their children how to tell right from wrong. They must also inform their children about the consequences for breaking these rules.

Children should see that parents respect their opinions. It is essential to listen carefully to what your children have to say.

And it means being willing to compromise.

Sometimes teenagers rebel and get mad. It's not always a bad thing. It is actually an indicator that they are growing up.

Teens often act out because they are trying to express something deep down.

They may feel frustrated, confused, or both. Or they may be having trouble coping with life changes.

It's important to listen to your teen's feelings. You can then try to identify the cause of your teen's behavior.

The best way to address the problem is to first identify it.

How do you address sibling rivalry the best?

You shouldn't try to avoid sibling rivalry through ignoring them. Instead, try to make sibling rivalry less threatening by ignoring them. So they don't feel jealous and can have fun having fun together.

Here are some tips:

You can play games with them. You could play hide and seek, tag, or any game where they have to cooperate.
You can give them extra treats. You could give them an extra slice of cake, or an ice cream cone.
Make them laugh. Tell jokes, sing songs, or dance.
Spend quality time together. Take walks with them, read books, and play board games.
Talk to your child about interests. Ask questions about their favorite hobbies or activities.
Be patient. Don't let them get in each others' way. Keep your cool and remain calm.
When they do something for one another, praise them. Show your appreciation for them being friends.

What is a healthy lifestyle for a parent?

A healthy lifestyle for parents includes eating well-balanced meals, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and spending time with family members. It also means avoiding drugs and alcohol.

Why do some children disregard their parents' instructions and not follow their lead?

Children are naturally curious, and they want to learn from other children. Children have a natural desire to please adults and avoid punishment. They might not know why they need to follow certain rules, and may not have self-discipline.

Children must understand the reasons they need to follow rules and what consequences are for breaking them.

They should also understand that following rules doesn't mean they must give up their freedom. They will be happy and safe.

If you explain this to them clearly, they will start to understand.

Here are some tips to help you train your children.

Explain to them why they are required to follow these rules.
Teach them the importance of consequences.
You can help them to develop self-control.
Have fun.
Don't expect perfection.
Encourage them ask questions.
Praise effort rather than results.

Statistics

Most adults will become parents at some point in their lives (i.e., around 89.6% of the adult population worldwide; Ranjan, 2015). (positivepsychology.com)
They are even more likely to have dental cavities because permissive parents often don't enforce good habits, like ensuring a child brushes their teeth. (verywellfamily.com)

External Links

doi.org

How To

How do I discipline my child?

You can discipline your child in many different ways, but the goal should be to make them understand why they did that wrong and not repeat it.

Here are some tips:

Explain to your child why it is that you think they did something incorrect.
Give them time limits. Let's say that you have 5 minutes to clean the room. If you don't finish by the timer, you'll be required to stay after school.
Praise good behavior.
You shouldn't punish bad behavior.
If your child is not following the rules, make sure they know what the consequences will be.
Instead of punishing, reward. Rewards include praise, stickers, toys, etc.
Your child should be taught the rules of the game.
Be consistent.
Avoid shouting and yelling.
Follow through on punishments.
Talk to your child calmly, but firm.
Keep your emotions under control.
Do not shout or scream.
Show love.
Do not hit your children.
Take the time to be clear.
Keep in mind that children are just small once.
Always keep your word.
Listen to your child's feelings.
Remember that children don't have stupid minds.
Be patient.
You shouldn't make your child mad.
Be calm
Encourage your child’s expressiveness.