Becoming a mother is probably the biggest milestone in any woman’s life. While it’s certainly the most wonderful thing in the world, you may be met with anxiety when your little one arrives and you need to navigate a completely new world. Motherhood comes with challenges every step of the way, and when things don’t seem to be working out the way you want them to, you may start doubting yourself and your role in your family. Nip these unfounded doubts in the bud and boost your confidence as a mom with these 7 tips.
Get to know your kids
It’s only natural that as their mom, you know your child best. You have been with them from even before they were born and no one can discern their moods and wishes better than you. However, remember that kids change as they grow and their personality is developing every step of the way. So, this may seem like a no-brainer but taking the time to truly get to know your child will make it so much easier to navigate parenthood. This is especially true if you are a first-time mom still testing the waters.
Trust your intuition
The next important piece of advice that will empower you is that you should trust your intuition. Mothers’ gut instinct is a real phenomenon, though it is a complex issue. Still, when your intuition tells you something is wrong, don’t ignore it. It may take a while to learn how to differentiate fear from intuition, but once you realize that you have this unique instinct, you will be able to make decisions more confidently.
Be selective with advice
People like to give their two cents even when they are not asked to. It’s a great thing to spend time with your family members and listen to their tried and tested parenting advice, but it can also easily make you doubt your own capabilities. Too many opinions is not a good thing for your confidence. The same goes for learning resources. It’s okay to read a book or two, but overwhelming yourself with resources, much of which is conflicting, might actually make you doubt yourself. Be very selective with who you listen to.
Create a solid support system
Some people in our lives may make us feel insecure, but there are also those who are invaluable for our confidence. Having a great support system is one of those things that confident moms have in common. You need to realize that you don’t have to do everything alone. Besides having the right people by your side, what can also help is getting in touch with others in your shoes. Find groups and socialize with other moms. Soon, you will realize that there are tons of others who feel exactly like you. Realizing that not knowing everything is completely normal will in itself already disperse some of your self-doubt.
Give yourself a break
It’s easy to feel insecure and frustrated when you’re simply exhausted and hadn’t had a day off for as long as you can remember. Taking good care of yourself is, however, paramount if you always want to bring your best. It may be difficult to find time off, especially if you’re also working, but there are always ways to balance work life and mom life. Being well-rested will allow you to think with a clear head, and you will realize that you got this.
Focus on your strengths
The next important tip you should consider is changing your mindset. Instead of focusing on your possible shortcomings, focus on your strengths. Don’t let imposter syndrome take over. Make a conscious effort to nurture the qualities that empower you outside of motherhood to stay confident. You might even consider leadership coaching to enhance those of your skills that are going to help you both in motherhood and in your professional life. Giving ample thought to self-development will help you become a role model for your child.
Take it slow
Finally, remember that building confidence in motherhood will not happen instantly. Some moms say that it took them a whole decade to really feel confident in their role. That does not mean they are bad parents in any way. Don’t set unrealistically high expectations for yourself and be more compassionate with yourself on your journey.
Even the most capable of parents feel lost sometimes, and it’s completely natural to feel your confidence dwindle. However, don’t let insecurity take over. Follow these tips and remind yourself of your capabilities, and you’ll feel empowered.
