Baby Calm Down!

Motherhood teaches invaluable life lessons that cannot be learned in any new age class, no matter how much you pay! A mother is like a soldier sent to the front lines without training, learning everything on the job. However, despite her best efforts, she is frequently subjected to harsh judgment from society, including her family and friends. She is constantly under immense pressure which is often underestimated by others. She is expected to balance multiple responsibilities: raising a model child, maintaining a tidy home, cooking delicious meals, completing daily chores and balancing her professional life. All this, while keeping everyone happy!

No doubt, mothers are often under societal pressure, but one cannot deny that there is some self-imposed stress too. For eg. comparing her child's developmental milestones to those of her friends. Agree or not but there is often an intense competition amongst the mothers (new mom, old mom included), which can sometimes be unhealthy and unproductive. Frivolous topics like whose child sprouted the first tooth or whose child walked or talked first become a matter of pride. Of course, these are to be celebrated but let's not forget the most important element i.e., "Every child is unique" and that means they'll have their timeline for achieving developmental milestones. This in no way reflects what kind of mother you are. This unsatiated urge to prove oneself as a "Good Mother" often takes a toll on the emotional and physical state leading to a breakdown.

Now, what defines a "Good Mother"? The area where a mother is predominantly judged is her parenting style. Irrespective of whether you believe and follow an authoritative, permissive or authoritarian style of parenting, it's your kid and so your choice. Whether you believe in "Spare the rod and spoil the child" or "My child is my best friend", taking unnecessary validation from others is nothing but an add-on to your already-filled plate. Ultimately a "Good Mother" is someone who nurtures, supports, and loves her child unconditionally.

So, mothers, it's time to let go of the pressure to be perfect. You don't have to know everything, and that's perfectly human. Accept your and your child's limitations. Remember, "A Supermom" is a myth and so is "An Ideal Child". That picture of a super-perfect mother on your social media might be hiding some sad reality. Sometimes being imperfect is the greatest quality to have.

So, Pause, Breathe, Relax and Baby Calm Down!