free floating guilt--grab some!

Sometimes I think that if I HAD to leave my kids during the day that I would be a better mom because the time I had with them would be more precious. Every night I go to bed I pray to be a better mom--to spend more time with them tomorrow, hug them more, not clean as much, not talk on the phone as much--blah, blah, blah. But it never seems good enough-- I always feel like there was something more I could have done--ack!! help me turn this off!!:rolleyes

I think everyone has these days!! I know I do! :grouphug being a sahm isn't as easy as some think it is!!!!

You still have a little one that takes up the majority of your time and limits what you can do right? Just looked at your sig. I've felt that way, but now that my youngest is 4 I feel more on top of things.

Try to make a list of the good things you did / or positive things that happened at the end of the day to get your focus away from the "what-ifs".

:hug

I feel this way too. I'm trying to get a job as we need the money. But now that I know I'm going back to work I try to cherish the days more even when Zach is difficult (has been teething). He is 7 months and sometimes I can't get anything done...barely make dinner, barely clean. Sometimes I think I'm just not cut out for this. I can't stand to clean the house and I get irritated to clean up dishes and every thing else when Zach finally sleeps. -Kate

We all have these days, I think.

When I feel like "I could be a better mom if ____," it just reminds me to BE a better mom. To just enjoy them, cherish this time, because it will be over and gone all too soon!

:hug

My .02....you need to answer the question of if you really feel this way or if you are having an off day/week...if you are really feeling this way then it's 100% in your power to change it. Thats the good thing!!! We get so hung up on thinking that taking care of the house isn't important but don't forget...showing your kid that you are taking care of the house IS taking care of them. I don't mean go overboard with the cleaning b/c in the long run..laundry can sit an extra day and no harm is done but it's all for the greater good. Housework and the like teaches responsibilty. We take care of our house b/c we show respect to our things....basic lessons we all try to teach our kid.

Being able to see your faults is such a huge step. Only you can change it. Leave yourself notes to remind yourself. Make a housework schedule so you aren't trying to do too much and make sure you have time for your kids. The fact that you feel this way is 100% normal and we all go through it. I hope you find the balance soon. It's there...you are good Mom!

It sounds like you need a break! :hug I get overwhelmed sometimes with just one child! Is there sometime during the week that you can go out by yourself, sans kiddos, even if it's just to take a walk around the block? Both you & your kids will benefit from it. :)

I am SOOOO with you! I think alot of it comes from having 3 young children at home. I often feel like I am in survival mode only. That I have nothing extra to give. I know this will not be this way forever. These young years are so critical in kids development, I worry that my kids will not be or do such and such b/c I am preoccupied, tired, cleaning, on the phone..........I guess each day is a gift that we are given to love, take care of and mold them. But try as we might, we cannot be "on" 24/7. It is impossible. I wish I could help you, but as you can tell, I need help too! :)
At least we have DAM to counsel us when we need it! :grouphug