I recently read the article "Kiss Mommy Guilt Goodbye" from Parenting.com and it was very refreshing. As I talk to more and more mommies I have come to find that when giving a first impression we all want everyone to think that our lives are perfect. Our wonderful children eat anything, sleep well, don't have tantrums and know their multiplication tables by their 2nd birthday. We love them so much and want to spend every minute with them. We miss them when we are away and just love being mommies. I am sure that there are mommies out there who become teary eyed and miss their children when they go the bathroom, but not all of us, and trying to be the 'perfect mom' makes us feel guilty because we know inside that we need our Me Time.
I have been traveling to DC recently for work and other events and have been able to spend good time with my friends. I really enjoyed my time away was starting to feel guilty about having fun away from my daughter. I love being a mom, but I there is more to me than that and I really do not want to change. I have recently been trying to make friends in our 'new' (3 years now) town, so I joined a few meetup groups and a mommy group. My husband was reading an email we received which listed several activities including, book club, crafting club, cooking/meal planning, and a games nights. I asked if he thought beer pong would be included in game night. He looked at me and said 'I can't believe you are a mom'. Yeah, me too!
You can stop judging now... I did make my daughter christening gown from a pattern and made all of her food fresh until she was 1 (I still make her fruits). I know that I am a good mom, but that does not mean that my life must now be consumed by fingerpaints and puppets. It is about finding the right balance so that you do not lose who you are. Having a night or two out with my husband or friends is a good thing and I know that when I get home she will come running to give me a hug and I will appreciate that hug more than ever!
