Parents, you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Or just as likely, we’ve got questions and you’ve got answers.

Challenge: Expert Advice

Mothering Bust

5
Vote up!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email this article

I’m not an elementary teacher. I’m not equipped to homeschool. These days in quarantine have left me feeling like I’m failing this mothering thing. I had the brilliant idea last weekend to search through the attic for party supplies and carnival games. Throwing a party is my mothering talent, and thanks to volunteering this past year at the school as the PTA-Program and Events “person”, I can set up a party in under 30 minutes.

img_3547.jpg

I wanted my kids to have fun and I wanted to feel like I was succeeding at something. Our favorite family vacation spot is Disneyland, so I grab all the attic things to turn our backyard into DIY Disneyland…or at least make it feel like we were actually getting to go somewhere fun for the day.

img_3540.jpg

I handmade all the signs, set up the games, popped the popcorn, and created a special Disney drink. Then the moment to show the kids what I was up to came. I just knew they would be so excited.


img_3544.jpg

But, not everyone was impressed with my skills. Mila (my 6 year old) leaped for joy and ran straight to the Disney drinks, and then to play the games. But, Caleb. Caleb (my 8 year old) turned to me with disappointed eyes and asked where his friends were. He grouchily expressed his disappointment by telling me that playing games by himself is not a fun surprise. “Where are my friends, or at least where are my cousins? We always see cousins when we go to Disneyland!”-Caleb

img_3552.jpg

What a bust. I wanted them both to have fun. I wanted to bring joy during this trialing time of quarantine life. I wanted to feel like I was good at something.

img_3568.jpg

These are the moments that we tend to hid from others. I could post on IG these cute pictures of our DIY Disneyland adventure and show Mila having fun, but you wouldn’t get the chance to see how much of a failure I felt that day.

img_3575.jpg

This Mother’s Day, if you are feeling less than or liked a busted mama, then I want you to know that I see you, and you’re not alone. You are a good mama. You try because you care. Happy Mother’s Day, sista.

img_3555.jpgimg_3557.jpgimg_3582.jpg

Subscribe to our Podcast at Always Working Mom where you listen to podcasts. Join the community on Instagram @alwaysworking_mom

img_2547.jpg


This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.