The “Super-Mom” Syndrome

Society is full of women that seem to be, quite literally, “super-moms”. They are the ones that can work seventy hours a week, cook at least twice a day for their families and still make it to every PTA meeting and after-school program. With the right kind of schedule juggling, “super-moms” can even manage to squeeze in class parties and other events that take place during the school day. All of this with full-makeup, a manicure and perfectly styled hair and clothes. Whew! With this kind of bar being set by these multi-tasking mamas, it can be quite overwhelming to the “regular” moms. Confidence can easily become an issue when a mother just does not feel like she can keep up with the rest of the world.

The normal mommies of the world do not have enough hours in the day to accomplish everything on their to-do list. It does not matter whether they are working moms or not, it still takes all of their efforts just to get their kids off to school on time each day. When the fates put a “super-mom” in close proximity, it is easy for other moms to constantly compare themselves. They almost always end up feeling inferior.

Trying to match the pace of a “super-mom” is not a goal that a normal mom needs to have. She has to remember that she is doing the best she can, by her own standards, and what works for some might not work for others.

The Truth About Super Moms

The truth of the matter is, if a regular mom were to ask a “super-mom” what her secret was, she would most likely get an answer that surprised her. Those other moms might seem like they have super powers, but they are only human. They are likely to be running the risk of mental and physical exhaustion. They probably do not get to take time for walks in the park or play dates. Time for themselves is non-existent and they might not be able to remember the last time they slept in and watched cartoons with the kids on a Saturday morning. Those feelings of envy work both ways.

Moms have to remember that the ability to be a mother is not based on how many chores can be done in one day or how much money can be earned in combination with raising a family. Some of the hardest working moms do not even have an outside of the home job. The ability to be a mom is based on the quality of life that the children have. As long as the children are happy and feel loved, then the mother is doing her job. The most important thing that a mother can remember when she is feeling less than adequate is that she loves her kids. That, alone, makes her a good mom. She needs to take the time each day to pat herself on the back for raising kids that will look back on their childhood with fondness. The rest – the dishes, the laundry, the missing homework assignments, the funny smell coming from underneath the couch – that will all wait until tomorrow. Memories are made today.

If you are stuck in the “super-mom” trap and need help getting out, click here.