How to Be a Better Mom (and Actually Enjoy It!)
Let’s face it, being a mom is no walk in the park. A recent survey laid it out pretty clear:66% of moms find parenting tougher than they expected. And yeah, it gets tiring (47% of moms feel it) and stressful (33% of moms are right there with you).
But hold on a hot minute! While we can’t offer a magic wand for instant zen (sorry, no wish-granting here!), we can do something for you.
In this article, we’ve outlined 6 steps to help you be a better mom, complete with bonus tips and book recommendations (and lightning-fast summaries) for you and your fellow amazing mothers.
6 Steps on How to Be a Better Mom
1. Take Care of Yourself
Self-care is the cornerstone of effective parenting. It’s not selfish; it’s strategic. Carving out time for yourself rejuvenates your spirit and empowers you to be the parent you aspire to be.
Tip: Start with just 15 minutes a day devoted to something you love, be it reading, meditating, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee.
This practice can drastically improve your patience and resilience. For a transformative approach to self-care, explore “A Year of Self-Care” byDr. Zoe Shaw, offering practical advice tailored for busy parents.
A Year of Self-Care
- 13 min reading time
- audio version available
2. Be Creative!
Move beyond the routine and create unforgettable moments. The key is spontaneity and creativity. Whether it’s through a surprise picnic in the living room or a silly costume dinner, these are the memories that last.
Tip: Dedicate one evening a week to “family fun night,” where each member gets to plan something unique.
“The Book of Joy” byDalai Lama andDesmond Tutu offers wonderful insights into finding happiness in daily life, perfect for inspiring joy within your family.
The Book of Joy
- 21 min reading time
- audio version available
3. Make Physical Activities a Habit
Exercise isn’t just about health; it’s a pathway to joy. Introducing your children to the joy of movement can shape their attitude towards exercise for life.
Tip: Create a family challenge, like tracking steps or exploring new parks, to make physical activity a thrilling adventure.
“Spark” byJohn J. Ratey goes deep into the mental benefits of exercise, providing a solid foundation for why family fitness is a key component of happiness.
Spark
- 12 min reading time
- audio version available
4. Show Your Emotions
Being the emotional role model for your family means practicing mindfulness and open communication.
Tip: Start a family emotion journal where everyone can express their feelings and learn to navigate them constructively.
“Emotional Intelligence” byDaniel Goleman is an essential read, offering strategies to enhance emotional understanding and empathy within your family dynamics.
Emotional Intelligence
- 20 min reading time
- audio version available
5. Have Boundaries
Saying “no” is not about restriction; it’s about prioritizing what truly matters. It’s crucial for maintaining balance and ensuring everyone’s needs are met.
Tip: Have regular family meetings to discuss and set boundaries that respect everyone’s space and time.
“Essentialism” byGreg McKeown provides a blueprint for focusing on what’s most important, making it a must-read for any parent looking to streamline their commitments.
Essentialism
- 20 min reading time
- audio version available
6. Parenting is a Journey
You know it. Parenting is a wild ride. There are epic highs (like that first giggle!) and moments that make you want to tear your hair out (hello, tantrums!). But every single experience, good or bad, can be a chance to learn and grow.
Think of it like this: imagine keeping a travel journal for your parenting adventure. You jot down the funny moments, celebrate reaching milestones, and maybe even analyze a few “wrong turns”. This way, you can learn from the bumps in the road and turn them into valuable lessons for the next adventure.
Check out “Mindset” byCarol S. Dweck. This book will help you embrace a growth mindset, which basically means seeing challenges as opportunities to get even stronger and wiser as a parent.
Mindset
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
Feeling overwhelmed by all this advice? Blinkist is here to save the day with super-short summaries of these parenting books. Get the key takeaways in minutes, no need to spend hours glued to a page.
And the best part? Blinkist offers audio summaries too! So you learn how to be a better mom, while prepping lunch or taking a walk with your little one.
If you’re keen to start a routine with Blinkist, also check out our list of the top 45 motherhood books—a chance for you to read or listen to one book summary a day for the 45 days.
Blinkist isn’t just about motherhood. Explore 27 categories, from entrepreneurship and personal development to captivating fiction. Find something that sparks your joy and fuels your well-being – because taking care of yourself is essential for taking care of your family.
Start your self-love journey today and be a better mom by focusing on yourself first. Click here to get 7 days for free on Blinkist:
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Better Mom FAQs: Your Questions Answered on How to Be a Better Mom
Q: How do I know if I’m doing this mom thing right?A: Wondering if you’re a good mom means you probably are one! It’s all about the little things: are your kids loved, safe, and happy? Then you’re doing just fine. Nobody’s perfect, and that’s okay. Need a quick pick-me-up? Dive into someEmpowering and Inspiring: Top 20 Strong Mom Quotes for Unstoppable Women to boost your spirits!Q: What’s the secret to being the best mom ever?A: Secret’s out—it’s all about being the best you can be for your kids. Listen to them, grow with them, and shower them with love. Understand their needs, adapt, and above all, trust yourself. You’ve got this! And remember, being the best isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up and doing your best every single day. Want a little extra guidance on your journey? Don’t miss out on “Every Mother Should Read This: The Ultimate Reading List for Enlightened Motherhood”.
Q: Is it okay to sometimes feel like I’m not a good mom?
A: Oh, totally! Every mom feels that way now and then, especially when the day’s been extra rough, or you’re scrolling through those picture-perfect mom blogs. Remember, feeling unsure doesn’t make you any less amazing. In fact, it’s a sign that you care a ton! Need a laugh to shake off those doubts? Check out these15 Hilarious Mother’s Day Quotes That Will Make You Laugh Out Loud.
Q: How can I be a minimalistic mom?
A: If you’re looking to dive into minimalism, Dawn Madsen is your go-to gal! She runs the super popular YouTube channel and blog, The Minimal Mom, where she shares her journey and tips on decluttering and simplifying life as a mother. And here you can find her book recommendations on Blinkist.
Meet Chris, an accomplished bilingual copywriter who excels at simplifying complex topics and making them a feast for your brain. When he’s not crafting copy in German or English, you’ll find him chasing his dream of a barefoot life on the beach with stacks of exciting books.
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