We put so much pressure on our selves to be the “perfect mom”. Yet, our kids don’t expect us to be perfect. They want us to be present and to see them and to hear them. Yes, sometimes they have demands for expensive gifts like tablets or play stations, and other times the small things like a ball and magnifying glass keeps them busy for hours.
Truth is, we want to give our kids better than we had and in a lot of ways we are. We just don’t give ourselves the credit and recognition. We are so focused on what we deem as short comings.
I myself get stuck in this trap. Trying to plan a birthday party or see how one can make the perfect party fit into the budget (whether there is a budget or not), seemingly forgetting the simple thing of reading story book before bed. Its absolute bliss for them. And how they can turn into chatter boxes just before bed. And use the “I’m thirsty” excuse just to stay awake a little longer.
How does one find the balance between what we want to give them, what we can give them and what they really want and need? Good question I’m trying to find the answer too…
I think it starts with not making promises one can not keep. And when you make one, keep it! Also, going down to their level and try see the world through their eyes. Its not as complex as one might think. Stressing about all the balloons and décor when one can not actually afford it. Instead they remember the pretty simplistic cake with their birthday number on and their friends singing to them, along with all the running and playing. Five years from now, will they remember the balloon arch and party pack colors? Or the friends who where there? I think the memory will be who was there and how much fun they had. I’m not sure, but lets see what happens.
All we can do, is the best we can with what we have. And hope that its enough.
