I vividly recall the moments when my mother would tuck me in with a gentle kiss goodnight. I remember her support during homework struggles, her tears during my heartbreaks, and the laughter we shared during celebrations. I can still picture her cooling my forehead when I was sick and always being my steadfast companion. Above all, I remember her essence.
As parents, we often put immense pressure on ourselves. We constantly question whether we’re doing enough—volunteering, earning, crafting, cleaning, and nurturing. Am I a good enough mom? Are my kids being deprived? Is the house tidy? Are the dishes washed? Did I organize a holiday activity? The list seems endless.
Why do we inflict this pressure on ourselves?
What will our children truly remember?
I hope that when my daughter reflects on her childhood, she remembers the person I was, the memories we created, and the simple, beautiful moments that shaped our bond. Ultimately, material things don’t matter. I want her to remember my love, my heart, and my unwavering support.
When she looks back, she won’t recall the mountains of laundry on the couch—except for the fun we had leaping into it. She won’t remember a sink full of dishes; instead, she’ll cherish the family meals we shared, our hearts and stomachs full. She won’t care if another mom brought homemade, gluten-free cupcakes while I brought store-bought cookies. What she will remember is that I was there, ready to listen to every detail of her day.
Why do we hold ourselves to such impossible standards? Striving for perfection can leave us exhausted and frustrated. The truth is, no one is perfect, and do we really want to be? The chaos and messiness of family life is what makes motherhood real, and it’s the love-filled memories we create that our children will treasure.
Our kids love us unconditionally. They see us at our best and still love us when we’re at our worst. They don’t mind if we’re a bit frazzled; they admire us and often say, “I look just like you, Mom.” This is what will stick with them.
So, the next time you feel defeated for not checking off that “thing” on your to-do list, focus instead on the cuddles, kisses, and moments of love. This is the true list that matters and what our children will hold in their hearts for years to come.
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In summary, our children will remember the love we gave them, not our imperfections. The connections we build and the moments we share far outweigh any messiness in our lives. Let’s prioritize love over perfection.