As much as the three little words are a huge deal, there are five words that I venture to say would rival those to most moms … “You’re doing a great job.” I’ll be the first to admit that my love language is affirmation. Even if that isn’t your vernacular, all moms want to be told they’re doing an OK job. That they aren’t failing their children. It’s something that we don’t hear very often (or maybe it’s just me? now I’m paranoid). When someone tells me that I’m a good mom, it’s like winning an Oscar. The best seal of approval.
More nights than not I hit the pillow with thoughts like, “I shouldn’t have been so harsh with Matilda when she squealed in Phoebe’s face forty times today” and “I wish I had taken the girls to the park or arranged a playdate.” Guilt. guilt. guilt. I’m going to challenge myself to do the things I wish I’d done the day before, but also to cut myself some slack. I’m going to try and remember to give myself a high five when I bathe both girls and successfully get tangles out of Matida’s hair while wrangling a squirming newborn. I’m going to say, “cheers to me” when I get dinner on the table. I’m going to get all team Lesley when I get us all bundled up and in the car in the morning. Let’s all celebrate little victories.
Another thing I’m going to try and remember is to do the same for my mom friends and my own mom. Words of encouragement to help lighten their loads and refresh their spirits. We all deserve that!
