Your cart is currently empty!
I’m a Self-Centered Mom and I Own It
Let’s be honest: I’m a self-centered mom, and you know what? I’m totally okay with that.
Take last night, for instance. When dessert rolled around, I grabbed the biggest bowl of ice cream, and guess what? I didn’t share it with my partner or my kids. That sweet goodness was all mine.
This morning, as I lounged on the couch with my coffee and watched the opening of the Today Show, my kids were busy packing their own lunches. Sure, I was supervising (in my own comfy way), but I let my eight and eleven-year-olds handle the sandwich-making while I caught up on the latest news. Priorities, right?
And later today? I’ll be heading out for a long, invigorating run with friends while my husband and kids are busy with their daily grind. There’s grocery shopping to tackle, but hey, no one’s going hungry around here, and I don’t foresee any starvation issues while I take a little me-time.
Just last week, I enjoyed two leisurely lunches with a friend, purely for the sake of catching up and sharing gossip about our families and the chaos of our lives. Oh, and I’ve managed to finish two books this month—yes, even while the kids were awake! I carved out three glorious hours one Sunday afternoon to read outside on a chaise lounge, sipping on some sparkling water while laundry sat neglected in the back room. Yep, I’m definitely self-centered.
Or am I?
Every day, I hear moms lamenting that they “never have time to shower” or “can’t remember the last time they enjoyed a good book.” It’s always accompanied by a sheepish smile and a resigned look, as if to say, “This is just the reality of motherhood, right?” Well, I’m here to say that’s a load of nonsense.
Why is it that moms feel guilty about taking some time for themselves? Who made up the rule that we must give everything to our families without a moment to recharge? If there’s someone writing that script, count me out.
As a kid, I used to love exploring my mom’s closet, filled with beautiful shoes and dresses. I’d try them on and pretend to be someone else, someone glamorous. She taught me that it’s okay to indulge in pretty things and take a break from the daily chaos. Whether it was a fresh haircut or a coffee break while running errands, she believed in the power of treating yourself.
I know that when you’re deep in the throes of toddlerhood or navigating life with a newborn, it can feel impossible to step away for a bit. But even small moments of indulgence matter. Sometimes, it’s okay to let the kids have the broken cookie. Sometimes, you can choose to scroll through social media while the sun warms your skin instead of pushing a swing. Or say “no” to the umpteenth request to reenact Frozen for a few minutes of peace.
Don’t get me wrong—I’m not suggesting you completely check out of your responsibilities. As mothers, we’re wired to nurture and support our kids. But somewhere along the line, we lost sight of nurturing ourselves too. When did we put everyone else’s needs above our own?
Because here’s the truth: if you don’t take care of yourself—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—you can’t be there for anyone else. If you’re running on empty, how can you be your best self for your loved ones? Let’s be real: you’ll handle a toddler meltdown much better after a little self-care.
I get it—there are days when life feels like a whirlwind, and getting through the day is a challenge in itself. But you know what? That craziness will still be there after a quick shower or a ten-minute break. So go for it. Take that time. Your kids will be okay. They might even learn to fend for themselves a bit if they have to wait for your help.
So here’s my challenge to you: grab that big bowl of ice cream. Treat yourself to that large coffee. Take a few extra minutes on your run. Check out one of my other blogs for a little inspiration. You deserve it, and trust me, the world won’t fall apart if you prioritize yourself occasionally.
And when your little one wonders why they got the broken cracker, just smile and say, “Because I’m the mom, that’s why.”