Foster Mom, not SuperMom

I've noticed we moms pile a ton of stuff on our plates that no one else expects of us. Our husbands don't expect it. Our kids don't expect it. Our girlfriends even think we are a tiny bit insane. However, we just keep pushing and striving to finish all those items on a to do list that is way too big in the first place.

For me, it's about being able to see that little checkmark in the box. Without that list, I turn into a lump. For others, it's perfectionism that drives their family crazy. For some moms it might be a remnant of the career life, or college life, or just unrealistic expectations.

I think that's what it all boils down to: expectations. I've learned in my marriage that most hurt feelings are because of unrealized expectations. Whether realistic or unrealistic, expectations that aren't met hurt. And when I hurt, I often harm my children's feelings or my husband's feelings.

So in the interest of our families ladies, let's examine our expectations. I check in with Jay often to see if I'm being too hard on myself or setting expectations too high. I check in with mom friends on how much they do. But most importantly, I do a self-check. I sit still and ask the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts concerning my self-talk and expectations. Many times when I'm grumpy and blue, He whispers words of wisdom or insight that I've never experienced before. Often He comforts me with verses I've memorized.

Ladies, we do NOT have to be SuperMom!!! Our children can't enjoy us when we are grumpy and exhausted from completing our to do list! Stop. Take a breath. Relax in knowing that the MOST important thing you can and should do today is love on your children. They are our gift from God! To neglect them is to neglect God Himself. Don't believe me? Check out Matthew 25 around verse 35.

As a foster mom, I have a few more obligations (read paperwork, appointments, and inspections) than a typical mom. Even so, I work very hard to keep my expectations real and relevant.

Do you have expectations that are too high? Too low? Are you too hard on yourself and your entire family suffers?