Slide 1

10 Confessions Of An Imperfect Mom

I was sitting at a ball game chatting with a mom I didn’t know well, yesterday.  We got into what “we do” and I explained that I work at iMOM.  She questioned me about the program and said “Wow, you must be a really good mom!”

Ugh. Sigh. Piercing inadequacy.  I kind of wanted to throw up.

I am not a really good mom.  I am not even close.  In fact, I will go to the grave wondering why I never overcame quite a few of my faults.  So, because it actually causes me anxiety to think that someone might think I am perfect, I am going to lay it out, confess my top 10 imperfections (for today).

  1. My form of organization is unorganized.
  2. My temper is rather even until I lose it.
  3. I never have the laundry done on time because somehow I lose it.
  4. I can’t even remember what my kids say I always forget.
  5. I get lost in my laptop.
  6. I have forgotten a child, more than once.
  7. I don’t do what I want (like be on time) and I do do what I don’t want (like scream).
  8. I overcommit, overthink, and overspend.
  9. I care too much about grades (a.k.a. the grade nazi according to my kids).
  10. I am undisciplined about discipline.

I am sure I will have 10 more next week.  Please tell me you have at least a few!

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Posted On: June 22 , 2011     cat-folder Be Encouraged 93 Comments

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  • Joelle

    If the laundry makes it into your top ten, then I’m sorry to tell you, but you are a good mom!!! Speaking for myself, my biggest struggle is with impatience. I’m a cut to the chase kind of gal, and life (kids in particular) rarely cuts to the chase! Also, I’m a perfectionist. And, I like ice cream. And bacon.

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Bacon every day at my house!

      • S.L.

        Then you are definitely a good mom, because in the morning race to ensure she gets enough rest and still gets out the door on time (we have to leave the house at 6:45!) she rarely gets what I consider a nutritous hot breakfast…one of the many, MANY guilts I have as a single mom with too little time and too much on my plate and too little energy. Oh what my daughter would give for bacon every day! :)

    • Sardiedg

      I have to agree with Joelle—I too suffer from impatience and now that my kids are older (12 and 9) I wish I could go back and relive their babyhood–only this time with a patient version of myself. It is never too late so I think I am doing better. Motherhood is a constantly changing job–we have to change with it.

    • Iloveicbc

      OH MY!!!! Ice cream and bacon are my two favorite foods…though I always say “not together” when I tell people that.

  • March11heather

    I am with you on more than 1 of your points. Let me count……8. Well, maybe 9. My kids are constant repeaters so it’s hard to forget what they say. I am constantly feeling like less than the perfect Mom. All I know is that God helps me get through and I am so thankful for unconditional love.

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Unconditional love from God, my husband, my kids, my friends, my sister….etc, etc!

  • http://www.marriagecounselingknoxville.com Dana

    I the honesty. There is so much pressure to be a “good mom” that we don’t share enough with one another how hard it is. I yell a lot! I wish I wouldn’t lose it as often as I do.

  • Mandy_gabbard

    Thank you! I am pregnant with our first baby and I am constantly worried about doing everything right when she gets here. Good to know imperfect moms are still “good” moms raising good kids!

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Woohoo – congratulations!

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000190118710 Marisela Martinez

      Congrats!!! Never be afraid to ask for help…I have 4 kids…still pretty young…n if they tell u it will get easier as they get older…sorry its not…being a parent is hard no matter what age…n no one person ever ever gets it right…I was always accused by my mom n mother in law that y i liked to do things by the book…??? Idk i read alot of books n articles n blogs to get different ideas no one is the same n sometimes its helpful to look up other ways to go forth w something…I take n try as much advice as i can…I would not turn down a good parenting class neither…but dont let it get u down. Have fun n enjoy ur family ..it wont always be easy or fun…but it will be worth it.

      • Guest

        Ahhhh, that is so nice to hear. I have read many books too and take some few classes. But sometime I think I’m just trying hard enough. I guess, I just need to relax a bit and enjoy them like you said..

  • http://littlelouise.blog.com Jennifer

    Sigh…you’ve just described ME!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000190118710 Marisela Martinez

    I have more than a few…right along w/ur list…i teared up..cus i am so hard on myself for feeling like i’m to hard on myself to be a perfect mom…I tell myself time n time again n remind myself over n over no one is perfect!! But yet I cant get passed feeling bummed for having most of u imperfect mom top 10 list probs. I love…sorry…but i love to hear other moms just like me…but i guess the good thing is that we realize what we r n what we r doing right (or wrong) n we keep going…sometimes to be a good mom we have to be a bad mom…Make sense??

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      You be kind to yourself. I really have a lot more than these 10! I promise.

  • KSKoester6

    As a mother of four teenagers, I thank you.

  • http://twitter.com/LoveJoyC5 Joy Cannis

    LOVE THIS! I have one daughter and two boys and I am constantly messing up. So thankful for grace and the fact that all I have to do is continually invite God into my day for Him to show up. Thank you for keeping it real so that the rest of us don’t feel like failures! You are a blessing!

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      You’re not messing up, you’re experimenting ;)

  • Wifemotherof4

    This was just the message I needed to hear this evening. My husband walked in from work today and as much as I wanted to be the happy wife welcoming him, I wasn’t. I am a stay at home mom of 4 beautiful kids under the age of 8 and needless to say was in dire need of some mommy time out today. My wonderful husband saw my need and took over allowing me to slip away for a quiet dinner alone and some window shopping. How blessed am I to have a wonderful husband and a family to come home to even though I am not always the mommy that I so often feel I should be. How marvelous to be the daughter of God our Father who will forgive me for not being a perfect mom.

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      When I am cranky my kids whisper to my husband ” Is mommy’s bottom bleeding?” My husband taught them that!

      • Melissa

        That is hysterical! I just showed that to MY mom……..she laughed too!

  • Hlpergirl

    Ditto!! Comforting to hear it isn’t just me.

    Kelley

  • Mandapanda

    So refreshing to read this. Thank you, sometimes I feel like a constant disappointment as a parent.

  • MAK10

    single mom here. I sit and watch my boys struggle with anxiety as I struggle to keep it all together. I feel so alone and like I am failing my boys. I struggle with consistancy because I always take the path of least resistance.

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      How can I pray for you in your struggle? I know it so hard.

  • Amy

    Sounds all too familiar!

  • http://twitter.com/MarchOn30 Lena Kervin

    Thanks for sharing. At times I feel like I am the worse Mom in the world. It’s good to know other mothers feel the same way. My girls say I want everything to be perfect. :( I try not to be that way. But I find myself saying or doing things I should not be doing/saying. I guess we mothers have to stick 2gather and pray for one another. God Bless, Lena

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      My girls say the exact same thing. We do need to unite and pray!

  • Melissaeloe

    Dear Susan,
    I almost cried when I read your post. It is so hard sometimes, yet we do have to keep going and try to keep that smile on our face. However, I believe that a good mom is someone who knows both her strengths and WEAKNESSES. Let’s face it, if we didn’t know our weaknesses and believed we were perfect, how would that help us grow and how would our children grow? I think that, especially with older children, it helps them when they see that we are not perfect and that we have the humility to admit it. So, let’s raise a glass to weaknesses, because then we can work on them and become better moms and wives. Take care, Melissa

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Melissa you are so wise and encouraging!

  • marcela

    Love your list !!! I’m a stay at mom of 2 year twins, and I’m constantly trying to be the best, I plan my days, hoping for perfection. And no matter what it’s never like that….the girls run most of my day, and when I concentrate on house work like laundry, cooking and cleaning, I feel guilty for not spending more time with them. It’s very hard balancing act to try to make it all happen !

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Oh, I wanted twins so badly! I think they are so cute when they interact. Have you seen the YouTube of the twins having a babytalk conversation in the kitchen? There are several of them but you will love this one not for the talking but because the house is a mess! Love that mom – her house is a mess but she doesn’t care she is having fun taping her children! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lih0Z2IbIUQ

  • Stacy

    Love the honesty. I think this ties into yesterday’s Identity verses Image topic in Family minute. Knowing what the right thing to do and be is one thing, but actually reflecting that is another. We are human, we learn from mistakes, and we still make the smar ones over and over. I struggle with being the best mom for my preschoolers. I like to reflect on the things I am doing right and work on adding one more to my list. I actually wrote in my blog about “the 5 things I gave my kids this summer”. http://pinkadotshop.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-summer-wins.html?m=0

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Love your blog and very jealous of your sweet summer.

  • Anonymous

    Yes!! I. Am. Not. Alone. ;) )) I feel like a failure every single day! Almost 6 yrs ago, our beautiful 2 year old daughter passed away, suddenly. Since then, I have struggled every single day to be “present” and to be a mom that our other 4 kids deserve. It’s been so intensely hard! We have 2 teenagers and a 7 & 4 year old, and aside from the difficulties of grieving and still having to be mom, the teenage years have been soooo challenging – and not the good kind of challenge :( ((

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      You are struggling with my greatest fear – losing one of my children. Thank you for reminding me to strive to be “present” with my children.

  • Lizzy

    Woww..Where to start? I am a mom of 3 sweet girls. I have the most supportive husband alive, and I still struggle to get it all done. My oldest is 14, and I struggle with managing my words. There are times I say “yes” just for good measure, but I feel like a drill sergeant most of the time. My 4 year old has told me after a time out that “nice moms don’t do that”… Ugh… My biggest problem is balance. I want to raise sweet christian girls in a world that ostracizes them. It is the most rewarding..most frustrating job around, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Cracking up about the “good moms don’t do that”! Tell her you must because you have taken this pledge ;)
      http://www.imom.com/tools/build-relationships/mean-mom-pledge/

    • Melissa

      Oh, Lizzy……!! My 10 year old daughter has said the same thing to me! Nice moms would do that……..or “I would never do that to my daughter”. It puts me in check. Not that they are awful things…….more drill sergeant type stuff. I need to relax more. We have two really great kids. I do not want to crush their spirits. But I feel so much pressure sometimes….probably self-inflicted…….especially when I see my 10 year old doing something inappropriate (in my eyes). I think “what in the world ever possessed you to do THAT??” And then I feel the guilt……

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  • Jill

    Thank you for being honest and real. I can relate to every single one you mentioned (except #3 because I enjoy doing it I guess!) … I sort of figured we were alot alike as I get to “know” you via these daily tidbits :)

  • Blong

    I have never left a comment on a blog before, but I can’t help myself today! What a relief to know that my “imperfections” are shared my many others. I am a single mother of 6 and I can relate to most of the 10 imperfections except the one about laundry. (they all do their own, so if it doesn’t get done they can’t blame me) Thank you for a reminder that we Mom’s were not given an instruction book and we are learning as we go. I pray for wisdom on a daily basis. Blessings

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Six and single! You are my hero! Thank you for sharing and please share again. With all your experience you could be writing this blog ;)

  • Evs7_28

    I think I have all ten :) but i guess confessing them is what makes us good mom’s and because we #1 love our children.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MBHGGUB6FOJYM5IMCRZTFIGEVM lag27

    Thank you Susan for being real and honest! I too, am an imperfect mom. Your articles are so encouraging and helpful! Family First has been such a blessing to my family! My husband and I look forward to our Play of the day and Espresso Minute each day!

  • Momto2Miracles

    Wow that was just what I needed this morning. Thank You. I always feel like I am not doing it right. It took me well over 10yrs to conceive my girls and I spent most of those years planning in my head what our life would be & what I would do. You know a perfectly clean and organized house, sweet kids who did as they were told the first time. Well that is not how it is. I find that I really don’t have the patience I thought I would, I know I yell way to often. There is currently at least 6 loads of laundry awaiting me and here I am on the computer. I always overcomit to sports classroom, PTA & helping others. I am totally a grade nazi as well with my 7yr old (although this paid off she did get an award for perfect spelling 100% on ever test she ever took) and I am NEVER on time. This always makes me feel like a bad Mom. Then I stay up unable to sleep beating my self up over it at night. So thank you for showing me that I am not the only one that this is kinda normal.

  • Melissa15

    Thank you so much for sharing! It is so encouraging to know that I am not alone. We all need to hear what we’re messing up so we know what to fix, but lately I’ve been hearing a very long list of all my failures. It gets harder to pick myself up when I feel like I can’t get even the simplest simplest tasks right! I’m a young single mother, my mother has passed and I don’t have very many people to go to for advice. Your column has been an encouraging and helpful source of input on motherhood, so again thank you! Oh! And I am right there with you on 9/10! (The laundry gets washed, just not folded.)

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      You can do it Melissa. My mom died when my children were little and it totally rocked my world. I know that my mom was the only one I could share everything about my children with – the good and the bad. You are doing more right than you see just by being there for you children.

  • Anonymous

    My youngest is going to preschool four days a week this year. I work full time and can’t afford not to. It has been the saddest week realizing the door has closed to ever being home to raise the girls. I don’t give them enough time and when I do I am exhausted. It’s a conversation I have had with God lately. Did I miss this or did you say no. I have been praying to be able to stay home for years. I tried a stay at home business that failed and left us deeper in debt. My prayer is, Lord help me be content. Lead me where I am to be. Watch over those girls.

    • mommy2belovedgirls

      I wish I could have your personal email because I totally feel the same way you do. Oh, how I can relate. I pray for your peace, too. It’s also what I’m praying for myself. I also hope that on top of your struggle with having to work that you don’t also have to deal with the MANY moms you know who do stay home and who like to insinuate that if we did this or that differently, it would work out. It’s very frustrating. No one knows your situation but you, and trust me if you have to work, I for one completely understand this because I’m there too. I feel for you and hope you find your contentment in the way things are. Hope I do too. :)

    • mommy2belovedgirls

      I wish I could have your personal email because I totally feel the same way you do. Oh, how I can relate. I pray for your peace, too. It’s also what I’m praying for myself. I also hope that on top of your struggle with having to work that you don’t also have to deal with the MANY moms you know who do stay home and who like to insinuate that if we did this or that differently, it would work out. It’s very frustrating. No one knows your situation but you, and trust me if you have to work, I for one completely understand this because I’m there too. I feel for you and hope you find your contentment in the way things are. Hope I do too. :)

    • Coleen

      Wow, I can so relate to what you are saying. I remember crying on the way to work after dropping off my youngest at daycare and like you praying. Often also praying for him to get what he needs even when I can’t be there. I felt so much guilt and like I was just surviving and trying to figure out how not to miss his childhood. I was able to work part time while my 2 older kids were in preschool. So anyway, now that I look at my 3 kids, I notice that my youngest (who spent the most time away from me because I worked) is the most social, most flexible, most independent, most adaptable kid. I don’t know if it’s because he had more experience in different environments or not. But most of all, he is happy and confident and I know he feels a lot of love in our family. I know I tell him so much how important he is to me. After years also of praying, I got to go back to part time and I do try to treasure the simple things like talking on the way home from school. I will pray for you also that everyday you can have peace to do your job well and live in the moment when you are with your kids. I pray that somehow you can see the positives in your situation and that your children thrive in their environment. Also I will pray for a miracle for you even if it means a change of perception that gives you perfect peace.

      • Swyvern

        Thank you for the prayer you listed! This spoke to me and my heart! God even speaks through strangers

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      God knows your heart and your anguish over having to be away from your children. He will use the life he has given them to grow them in the way he would like. You are being faithful so have faith that God will be faithful to your children.

    • Stingerb28

      I run a daycare to be home with my 3 girls…it can be super hard some days, and sometimes my own girls drive me nuts, but I thank God periodically for the opportunity He has given me…I do enjoy teaching…and homeschool 2 of my girls right now.

  • Ms197876

    Ha, the only one i didn’t check off with you was about the laptop. I have a 9 y/o stepdaughter and a 6 month old son. I strive to be perfect knowing I will never achieve it and end up only letting myself down. I also work full time and share the parenting responsibilities with my husband and his ex-wife, (we all get along fabulously-it weird i know but it works) and still feel inadequate as a mother.

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      You do a ton! And don’t buy a laptop my Mac is a terrible temptation.

  • Sherri

    I am my own worst critic. I pray everyday that God would help me to be a better Mother, and Wife.
    Sometimes I loose my patience and yell, sometimes I get in the middle of my kids ordeals with their friends when I should let them work them out. I fail everyday but everyday I grow and learn. Thank you for letting me know that I’m not alone. God bless and I’m glad we have each other to Spur one another on……
    Sherri

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Thanks for sharing and I yell, too.

  • Andrea

    You are SO not alone, thanks for posting this!

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Thanks for being imperfect with me!

  • Daniellekelley

    Words so familiar, thanks for helping feel a bit more normal.

  • Mom of 4 Noodles

    I am so reassured after reading the comments from other moms that I am not the only one who struggles with perfectionism in motherhood. Confessions are so freeing not only for ourselves but for others. I was a huge perfectionist before and motherhood only seemed to magnify this in me. But after I struggled, thought and prayed about this, I realized that I could use this character trait to my advantage by reframing it. When my house is not perfectly clean, (which is always) it is the perfect house that reflects the full and active lives of a family of four small children. The mess of toys in the kids’ rooms is now the perfect mess made by my children having fun. I hope that I am modeling something for my children so that they do not fall into the same negative trap that parenting with perfectionism can create.

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Love your thinking and your name – mom of 4 noodles!

  • Lovingezus

    Thank You JESUS !!!!!! For being amazingly transparent. I confess my freedom now ! We are overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the words of our testimony. Those ten are carbon copies of my own. I really needed to hear that. Thank you again. Robin ~ Phil 1:6

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      You are welcome to my imperfections any time. I would give them all away if I could!

  • Bessardpi

    I love this! I think it describes so many moms including myself. Thankfully, our kids still love us despite our imperfections!

  • Rmearkle

    What I find so endearing about all of these confessions is that we’re all in the same boat. Regardless of whether you stay at home, or work full time, there is never, never enough time. I am just thankful that my husband and my kids forgive me for my faults. They never cease to amaze me on a daily basis. I am truly a lucky girl.

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Ditto.

  • Ljo1213

    I believe one of the best things we can do as moms is BE REAL with our kids. There are many days when my cup is overflowing with energy and love… There are also days when i feel like a “grumpy goat” (thats how ive always explained it to my kids-lol). As a mom of 4 children, i find its best to let them know when your not at your best. Remember to recharge (don’t forget your Energy Source) and be okay with “off” days. We all have them! Blessings! LJ

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Recharge scheduled for tomorrow!

  • Cassandra

    1. I wake up and have NO idea where to start each day, which usually sends me on a long walk, then coming home to get on facebook.
    2. I tell my kids I believe in them and they should too, and they do! But they say I don’t mirror it with my own lack of self confidence.
    3. I fall asleep while helping the kids with schoolwork, even when its not late!
    4. If my kids come back to ask me what I said? I tell them they should have been paying attention because honestly? I can’t remember what I said.
    5. I forget my children’s names, quite often.
    6. I try to listen to the kids while typing.. (like right now) and know they aren’t getting my full attention.
    7. I love our family to eat healthy, but I hate cooking. I like baking pastries!
    8. I forget to train my last child, thinking by osmosis, he’ll somehow pick up what I taught the first one..
    9. Bedtime is out of control, and always has been. We fall asleep when we pass out.
    10. I write extensively about family and get the feeling people think I’m perfect. It also makes me sick.
    I have a lot of good points, but wow, after seeing these ten? I hope we all are encouraged that we simply never have it ALL together!

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Love it, love it, love it! Your house sounds like mine ;)

  • Cassandra

    1. I wake up and have NO idea where to start each day, which usually sends me on a long walk, then coming home to get on facebook.
    2. I tell my kids I believe in them and they should too, and they do! But they say I don’t mirror it with my own lack of self confidence.
    3. I fall asleep while helping the kids with schoolwork, even when its not late!
    4. If my kids come back to ask me what I said? I tell them they should have been paying attention because honestly? I can’t remember what I said.
    5. I forget my children’s names, quite often.
    6. I try to listen to the kids while typing.. (like right now) and know they aren’t getting my full attention.
    7. I love our family to eat healthy, but I hate cooking. I like baking pastries!
    8. I forget to train my last child, thinking by osmosis, he’ll somehow pick up what I taught the first one..
    9. Bedtime is out of control, and always has been. We fall asleep when we pass out.
    10. I write extensively about family and get the feeling people think I’m perfect. It also makes me sick.
    I have a lot of good points, but wow, after seeing these ten? I hope we all are encouraged that we simply never have it ALL together!

  • Slgreen

    I can totally relate. One day after a good cry, I made a list of what I believe “Good Mom” should be. After I reread it I had to laugh out loud because no one on this earth could attain to it yet I was setting it as this totally unrealistic and impossible goal. It read something like this (not in any order)

    1. She wakes up early, showers, dresses, has time with God in prayer and reads her Bible.
    2. She makes breakfast and sack lunches for her family.
    3. She prays for each member of her family daily.
    4. She has a date night with her husband each friday.
    5. She teaches Sunday School
    6. She volunteers at school
    7. She takes photos and scrapbooks faithfully.
    8. She corresponds with her family and inlaws regularly (remembering all birthdays, etc.)
    9. She makes well balanced nutritious meals for her family.
    10. She exercises regularly and is physically fit.
    11. She keeps a clean and organized home at all times.
    12. She has a beautiful yard with flowers and a garden.

    ……….blah, blah, blah the list went on and on and on.

    I realized that God does not want my performance but He wants my heart. “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Wow! Okay, I will just come to Him and let Him tell me what is most important in my day and let the rest go. I don’t have to answer to any one but Him.

    Thank you God!

    • http://SusanMe.com Susan Merrill

      Oh, I felt a panic attack coming on before I even got to number 6! And yes, we are weary and He is our only hope for rest!

    • blueeyedgirls

      Sounds like a list I would make for myself and never achieve! I still believe a little discipline and self control is important, but when I fall down and fail…which I do, I need to learn to let go and smile! I get way too tense…I liked that one comment about wishing I could have been more patient….my youngest is 20 months and I am trying to slow down and just enjoy her…who cares if she can’t sing the abc song yet…she can make a hand sign for ‘b’ and some of the actions to the B-I-B-L-E…now that to me is priceless! Life just speeds by taking my children’s youth with it:-(

    • Iloveicbc

      Even if you were a stay-at-home-mom I don’t think anyone could keep up with all 12 of those and more. I am a teacher so I get the benefit of early evenings and 2 months off to pretend I’m a SAHM…but I have realized that even if I were home alone all day once my kids were in school I couldn’t get all of those things done! We wear many hats, but we can’t wear them all at the same time. There are only 24 hours in a day.

  • Christy

    Thank you for your incredibly authenticity!

  • Stephanieschoel

    Thanks for posting this. I have had quite a few days this year where I thought “what the heck was I thinking having children. I have no idea what I am doing.” Just today I met several mom’s from the new school my son is attending and it seemed like a well this is what I do how do you compare meeting. I came away feeling really insufficient. Yet not wanting to be like them at all. I love my life and not being overly busy as so many families seem to be. It still sucked and made me feel very lacking. Thanks for sharing your imperfections on a day when I felt like only I had them.

  • Amy

    Oh, I love reading these comments — and, of course relating to every one of them. The guilt of working and not always being there is at times overwhelming! My 10 year old son told me the other day that he was going to write a song about me called, “The meanest mom in the world”. Great. Should I feel guilty that my daughter has collected 5 Smurfs from McDonalds Happy Meals???

  • Iloveicbc

    I give too many warnings when I’m distracted. I don’t pay enough attention to the weather and send my kids to preschool in the wrong clothing for the temperature. I throw a cold hotdog on a plate or hand it to them instead of fixing a meal and tell myself it’s ok because it’s a turkey hotdog. I use “maybe” too much when I really know it’s not going to happen…and I’m a teacher but I have to force myself to read even one book at bedtime.

  • Garcia_nichole

    One of my many imperfections is that my nine year old son creeps into bed with me most days of the week. He’s been doing this for the past couple of years since his father moved away. Most nights I allow it because it’s a battle I’d rather not have at 9 p.m. other times it’s nice to have the quiet with him versus the hustle that has become our life.

  • Katie Kennedy

    Susan, I needed to read your espresso minute and blog this morning. I have always admired you and have often prayed for your mommy and wife traits. You have always been such an amazing mentor to me and I will always be grateful for my time at family first. I had to remove myself from Facebook recently in order to avoid comparing myself to other moms and wives. I was feeling sorry for myself and doubting my mothering skills. I felt like everyone else had it together and something was wrong with me. But, I am starting to realize that God gave us the perfect child for our family and we are doing the best that we can in raising her the way God wants us too. Thanks for all you do. Lots of love. Katie Kennedy

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1404715423 Amanda Bacher

    Love it! I believe we become better moms when we stop believing we are supposed to be Superwoman – or that we CAN be Superwoman. God never expected us to be perfect and loves us despite. We don’t expect our kids to be perfect and of course we love them despite. Time for us not to expect ourselves to be perfect and for us to love ourselves despite!

  • Lourencoelect

    Thank you ladies… This is something I struggle with. I had so many visions and plans on how I would raise my children but everything is so hard. Motherhood is hard. I should be happy with the fact my children are healthy and have what they need but I look at what I haven’t done.

  • http://www.HippieChickChronicles.com/ DebbieJ

    Great post. You could start a fan club and I’ll join!

  • Christina

    OY Vey! I have at least 10 this week!! Laundry would be on my list but more importantly, I am impatient, too direct, lack a compassionate tone too often, too many times the “thanks for washing the car, oh you missed a spot; there, there, there!”, too focused on My way!!

  • Christina

    OY Vey! I have at least 10 this week!! Laundry would be on my list but more importantly, I am impatient, too direct, lack a compassionate tone too often, too many times the “thanks for washing the car, oh you missed a spot; there, there, there!”, too focused on My way!!

  • Christielynn4

    Oh, how my list of imperfections continues to grow as I raise my four children, 7, 10, 13, 15 years old. I so want to be a great mom, but my patience and strength is constantly tested, thus I yell when I should only use a stern voice, I don’t look them in the eye as much as I should, I don’t prepare healthy dinners regularly (I’m unorganized and tired), I seem to care more about a clean house than spending time with them, I don’t have scripture on the tip of my tongue for every teaching moment (because I sleep rather than spend time studying God’s word), I forget or just don’t pick up the essentials that my girls need on my way home from work because I’m tired, I don’t smile at them enough, I don’t praise them enough….these are just this week’s failures :-( . But I do love them (and their father) to death and pray that they will be healthy, happy, God loving, God fearing adults who can live with their own failures knowing that with Christ, they can have the strength and wisdom to face trials and raise their own lovely children to serve God and love their families. And the cycle continues…Praise God for his mercies and for giving us opportunity each day to look to Him to overcome yesterday’s weaknesses. Blessings to you Susan!

  • Swyvern

    I have a few on this list, some I am thankful to know
    I’m not the only one!

  • Blumemarge

    Don’t think your list will get shorter. I am 73 and still trying to figure out what I did wrong or right, but I still have hope.