poll
If you had $1000 to donate to a charity, which of the following would you pick?
Related Articles
EVERYONE’S FAVORITE Groups
6 Secrets to Being A Happy Mother
Author: Melissa Maypole
There’s nothing like the joy that comes with seeing your newborn smile for the first time, and in the months that follow, the bliss you feel as you get to know your little one is all-consuming. But sometime after the first few months or years, a feeling of discontent can creep in. Luckily, there are some preventative measures you can take to remain happy and fulfilled while performing one of the toughest jobs there is—being a mom!
- Set Your Own Standards
Being a mom comes with its fair share of advice, both warranted and otherwise; you’ll no doubt hear the opinions of in-laws, friends, and complete strangers, and they’ll have the latest on just exactly how you’re supposed to raise your kiddo. Add this to the mountains of parenting magazines out there telling you what to do as well, and you can easily become overwhelmed. While it’s true that children don’t come with instruction manuals, mothers are born with instincts. Your best bet as far as your happiness, and perhaps your sanity, goes is to trust your gut and ignore the rest. - Take a Time-out
When it comes to time-outs, sometimes you need to be the recipient rather than the giver. Everyone needs a break now and then, so don’t feel guilty about sneaking away to take a long, hot bath or to curl up with a good book. When you return to your parental obligations, you’ll be refreshed and ready to tackle finger-painting, refereeing, or whatever else comes your way! - Connect with Other Moms
A little moral support never hurt anyone, and no one can understand what your life is like better than a fellow mom. Just chatting with someone who truly gets it, even if that person is an online friend, can help reduce your stress level and let you know that you’re not alone in the journey. - Prioritize
There are just too many tasks that come with motherhood to get them all done, all the time. That’s why, in order to be a happy mom, you’ve got to start prioritizing. Take a few minutes in the morning to list three to four chores, or errands, that absolutely have to get done. Leave the rest for another day. After all, if you clean and toil 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you’ll miss the best part of being a mom—watching your children grow into the amazing people they were meant to be! - Share the Responsibility
You’ve heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child, but let’s face it—villages are hard to come by these days. You may have to settle for a husband, grandmother, or friend to help you share the burden of motherhood. Don’t feel guilty, the more positive influences your child has growing up, the better! - Pursue your Own Interests
Although it’s certainly a full-time job, being a mom doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you love. Keeping up with your own hobbies and activities will not only make you happier, it will also make you a well-rounded role model for your child. Who knows? You may just inspire your little one to follow in your footsteps.
If you’re like most moms, you’ll spend most of your time making sure your little one is happy, but don’t neglect your own level of contentment in the process. Believe it or not, happier moms have happier children, so take some time to look after you as well. Your children will thank you for it!
Home > Parents > Emotional Health > 6 Secrets to Being A Happy Mother
