My kids tell me I’m the best mom in the world. And every time I hear it, I am overwhelmed with joy that they feel that way.
And then I feel bad. Because I know that sometimes I am not.
Sometimes I am too busy to stop everything and read countless books, them curled in my lap, sweet heads resting on my chest, pages flipping as I snuggle and try to get all three within my arm span.
Sometimes I don’t feel like it when I have picked up a room for the fiftieth time only to have them converge on it and restore it to the cluttered mess it was before. I am impatient, frustrated and harsh.
Sometimes I don’t feel like it when I have to put their crying eyes in a corner, take away a toy or scold them for talking back. When discipline takes the place of a hug.
Sometimes I don’t feel like the best mom in the world when a phone call comes in that I have to take, a deadline looms near or the dishes have to be done and they just want me to come push them on the swing.
Sometimes I don’t feel like it when they talk about daddy’s girlfriend and how pretty she is and how much fun they have with her. Am I too?
And sometimes I have to stop. I have to realize that God gave me these children to love, teach, discipline, nurture and grow with for the rest of our lives. And no matter how many time outs, how many toys are taken away, how many sharp words and how many people that they meet…. I will always be their mother.
I will always love them. Put them first. Think of them above myself. Adore them above all but God.
And then I will realize that maybe…. just maybe… to them, I AM the best mom in the world. No matter what. No matter when. No matter who.
Because, really, if it were not for them…
I would not be a mom at all.
And being their mom is the best feeling in the World.
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Originally published 3/6/2013
A great sentiment to remember everyday, for child and mother! Those roles will never change, no matter where our lives take us or the challenges we face!
I love this. I know I fail sometimes, but I do my best and that’s all I can do.
We all feel frustrated. But, it is the best job in the world.
This totally speaks to me. I think as Moms we expect a lot more from ourselves than the kids. When my guys compliment me, I know it is really coming from a special place.
Yeah me too. I know I am too hard on myself. It’s a hard job but in the long run it’s very rewarding!
Being a mom is a hard job, but it is the most rewarding job, you could ever have!
It doesn’t matter how pretty she or anyone else is. NOBODY else is lucky enough to be their mom. It’s all yours!
I feel the same way sometimes- SO hard on myself… But being frustrated at the best job in the world is totally worth it!
My mom always told me that Mother’s Day was the best day, because she celebrated the fact that she got to be a mother. I never understood until I became one myself!!
My son is older and he still tells me I’m the best Mom in the world. It warms my heart.
Awe… I feel the same way, as well. I try to remember to put the phone or computer down and really listen when they talk, lol
I feel like a bad mom sometimes because I have a hard time finding that balance. I’m always online and I do feel bad about it.
I think every mother at some point feels like they are undeserving of the unconditional love from their children. This is such a beautiful post.
As moms, I feel like we spend a lot of time beating ourselves up. No one could be a better mom to your kids than you could. This is a great post.
Thanks for the important reminder!
Awe that is the very best feeling ever!!!! Great reminder.
When my kids say I’m the best mom; It gives me warm fuzzies too. I know I can be better. Everyone can improve; but I love those tender moments with my kids.
Great to think of it from their perspective. After all, if you’re really trying your hardest, you’re the one best made for them as their mom :)
That’s all it takes for me to realize I need to calm down and not be so harsh. Our kids love us regardless. Great post.
I love when my kids tell me this. I often think in my head that I am not the best but then again I tell myself I am!
What a cute post. It can be difficult at times, but it’s all worth it.
We can only do what we can do! You are the BEST MOM Lori! And they know it! Love this!
Parenting is tough and I know how you feel.