The word on the street is that moms are feeling overwhelmed, unsupported and alone…
There are so many stressors in a mom’s world today that a day’s purpose is simply to get through it. There is little time or energy to pursue a higher goal than that. The results of operating from this auto-pilot position are that moms do not take care of themselves, their kid’s behavior gets out of control and the spousal relationship bears enormous weight.
There are a number of main causes of mom-stress. While each is problematic in and of itself, as stressors pile up, moms can be left feeling weighed down.
Financial Stress
In today’s economy, there are an ever-increasing number of moms who need to work outside the home. Being out of the home makes the already-difficult job of raising children infinitely more challenging. Having to pay for and arrange daycare is an added stress that is compounded by the guilt that accompanies having to leave little ones in the care of someone else.
Tensions with Dad
Much of mom-stress is also caused by, I hate to say it, dads. Moms and dads often differ in parenting approaches. When parent’s responses to a child’s behavior conflict, it creates tension between them and often resentment and anger begins to brew. Moms feel criticized when Dad thinks she should be able to keep unruly kids under control.
Uncooperative Kids
When kid’s behavior is disruptive or unpleasant, the initial tendency is to try to stop the behavior as soon as possible. This usually results in a punishment, a threat or a time-out. These types of traditional parenting approaches perpetuate the all-too-common parenting power struggles. The ongoing power struggles between Mom and kids compound the other stressors. Moms need a proper understanding of child behavior in order to resolve behavior issues without creating additional stress for herself and her kids.
The problem with stress is that is wears us down. I often find myself reminding clients that they can’t give what they don’t have. Mom’s who don’t make time for themselves do a disservice to their children. Children learn from all that we do. When Mom neglects taking care of herself, it sends a clear message about priorities. And, her ability to nurture others compassionately and respectfully becomes compromised. Taking time to rejuvenate, to relax and reconnect with the inner self are crucial to maintaining a peaceful sense of self. Kids won’t learn to do that unless we model it for them.
Ultimately, moms need a break. They need the space to step back and evaluate. What are their goals for themselves? What are their goals for their kids and their family? What are they doing today to ensure that those goals are met? Sometimes, moms need a little help doing that. Moms who have support of any kind are truly the lucky ones. I have often heard clients express how grateful they were that their parents would take the kids for the weekends. In today’s world, there is really very little in the way of a break for moms. Grandparents are an invaluable source of support for many families.
As a parent educator, I offer coaching services to families who are ready to alleviate the stress and power struggles at home. Additionally, I am launching a new Motherhood Makeover Retreat program this summer to give moms the tools to nurture themselves without compromising their families.
- Does Being Busy Make You Happy? Busy has become synonymous with motherhood. But does being busy make you happy? One significant cause of increased unhappiness among...
- Food for Thoughtful Parenting Nina Coslov and Tara Keppler have pulled together their favorite parenting strategies into an easy-to-read collection of 12 lists to...
- Questions to Get Your Kids Talking What’s really going on when your kids are at school? When I ask my kids about how their day went,...
- Grandmas Are Busy, But Moms Are Busier Grandmas and moms are both busy, but moms have more pressures than grandmas had when they were raising them. Grandmas,...
