Three Things Moms Should Consider When Feeling Overwhelmed

I can’t be sure, but if I had to guess I would say that THE most challenging job in the world would be that of a mother. 

You are a cook, a taxi driver, an organizer, a janitor, an inspector, a teacher and a motivator…and you're all of those things before 9am every day! 

Some days you, probably more than most people, are going to feel completely stressed and overwhelmed. This does not mean you are a bad person, it simply means you are human. 

Here are three things to keep in mind when feeling overwhelmed as a mom: 

#1 – You ARE Making A Difference! 

My mother passed away when I was 12 years old, and even though I only had a short amount of time with her, she is still the most influential person in my life. 

It has to be so hard to see this when you feel undervalued, not appreciated and overlooked; however, I promise you that one day you will say it was all worth it. You have the unique opportunity to do what only YOU can do - be their mom. No one else on the planet can do that for them. It's a noble calling that can be SO draining and completely rewarding at the same time. And one day, your children will be so thankful for all you do and did for them. 

#2 – Making The Transition From Control To Influence

One of the reasons I see moms get overwhelmed so often as their children grow older is that they cannot make the transition in their mind from controlling their children to influencing their children.

When a child is young it is basically a mothers job to keep them alive. I'm sure most of you have had to rescue your children from different situations where they might get hurt. 

In order to keep yourself from completely losing your mind you must, as a mother and a care-taker, begin to control certain environments so that your child can survive and thrive. 

However, as your children get older (especially during the teenage years) one of the things that can be the most difficult challenge for parents is moving from control to influence. Often times, when a parent tries to control their child, the child will rebel and push away. But if we can transition from control to influence, we all have a better chance at maintaining our relationships with our children as they get older. 

Which is why TIME is so valuable, especially when the kids are young. Moms, I promise you that by investing time with your children it will allow you to have more influence with them as they get older. 

#3 – Stop Comparing Yourself To Other Moms

As a woman you will always see someone who looks better than you, has a house that is cleaner than yours and who has children that seem to excel in the areas where your children seem to lack. 

And constantly holding yourself to the standards you allow others to set for you (whether intentionally or unintentionally) WILL leave you feeling like you are always coming up short in the “good mother” category. 

God wants you to be your child’s mother—period. And while you should be willing to learn from other mothers, you should not allow them to define success for you. If their children have a certain type of car seat, participate in multiple extra curricular activities or excel in school it does not need to define you and the way you parent your child. 

Overwhelming days are ahead, and the stresses of parenthood are inevitable. And moms, trust me, you may not see the results you want to see in your children immediately; but I believe if you will continue to give your best effort and ask Jesus for help on a daily basis you will see your children eventually develop into so much more than you could have ever imagined. Jesus sees you and knows the hard work you're putting into raising your children and He will reward you for fulfilling your role as a mom. 

Our church made this video to celebrate Mother's Day in 2013 and it's awesome! I hope it encourages and inspires all your moms today.

And also, I wrote a book about being Overwhelmed if you want to check that out too :-)