And that’s before the insane expectations society puts on us, or that we put on ourselves. We’re expected to be beautiful, successful, well-dressed (or risk getting mocked for looking like a mom), be up for awesome sex all the time, feel completely comfortable rocking stilettos as we chase our kids around the playground, never yell, love nothing more than amusing and educating little people 24-7, and stack up favorably against images like Sainted Mother Angelina Jolie (but without her money or phalanx of nannies). And that, my friends, is BS … and can lead to a raging case of mothering burnout, described as “when family life leaves you frazzled” in this brilliant Daily Mail piece. See if any of these sound familiar: Fun, huh? But you can get your swing back. First of all, get some help, so you can take a break. Whether it’s your partner, friends, or family, even that nice mom at the preschool, most people would be willing to watch your kids for an hour or two while you chill out. If that’s not an option, find a sitter. Yes, it can be expensive, but they’re cheaper than therapy. I know a lot of women feel guilty asking their partner for the time … which leads into the next idea: give up guilt. Your kids will not suffer, and will probably get into a decent college and everything, if you say no to the third evening activity every week in order to slow the pace a little. And most importantly, try to get off the competimommy merry-go-round. Tell yourself that everyone is doing the best they can, because they are. And that includes you. Image via Evil Erin/Flickr
