As a Nurse Practitioner, realtor, politician, and Mother of three, I understand how parenting can be overwhelming and lead to anxiety. Many parents feel lonely in their struggles, but it’s reassuring to know that others have similar experiences. Parenting is not easy, and we all share anxiety and fear when it comes to deciding what’s best for our children despite differing opinions. As a parent, one of the biggest fears is not being good enough for your child. It’s important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Raising a child is a learning experience and mistakes will be made. Perfect parents don’t exist, as mistakes are opportunities for growth. Use these moments as a chance to learn and progress, rather than striving for perfection. Many mothers fear balancing work and parenting. They ask, Am I a good parent? Am I giving enough attention? Truth is, there are only so many hours in a day – you are doing the best you can! Make time for yourself to ease anxiety. Focus on self-care. If you are stressed, frail, or unhealthy, you won’t be able to be a good parent. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly. When you feel good, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of parenting. Seek support by connecting with other parents going through similar experiences in parenting groups. Encourage and engage with disconnected mothers, as this can be comforting and fulfilling. Postpartum depression/anxiety can be overcome with help. Parenting is challenging and requires support. Communicate with your partner and reach out to family and friends for help when you feel overwhelmed. There is no shame in asking for help, it takes courage and strength to acknowledge your limitations. If anxiety persists, consult with a mental health professional. Raising children is hard, and feeling anxious or overwhelmed is normal. Prioritize self-care, trust your instincts, and seek help when needed. Everyone’s parenting style varies, and with practice, you will gain confidence. Remember that God entrusted you with his children, and he fully equipped you for this purpose. Comfort may hinder growth, but there is no one better equipped to parent your children than you.
“Mom, You are More than Enough!”
I would like to take a moment to honor you for being all the things I look up to. You are smart, strong, and independent. A mother is an essential part in a daughter’s life to help her grow into a wonderful woman, and that’s exactly what my mother has done for me. I watched my mom raise me as a single parent, while maintaining high honors in college and pursuing her dream to become a nurse practitioner. I always admired the drive and determination that she had to never give up, even when I watched it get hard for her. My mother always tells me “Be patient, I can’t do everything at once,” but I believe that is one of the biggest lies she’s ever told me, because my mother has accomplished becoming a realtor, a lactation specialist, politician, a nurse practitioner, an aspiring photographer, and still continues to pursue her dreams, all while raising three kids. By doing all of those things, she has taught me that I can truly be anything I want to be -letting nothing stop me. She is a true inspiration to me. Above all of these things, her faith is the most admirable. She honors God and has taught me to do the same. She continues to trust God through everything we face and is always filled with hope because she knows that she can do all things with the strength of the lord. To all the sons and daughters out there, I want to encourage you to always remember that your mother is trying her very best. Think of all the times, she cried and kept it to herself because she didn’t want you to feel sad, all the times she was hurting but didn’t show it because she didn’t want you to hurt too, and all the times she didn’t have enough money to buy you something, but chose to sacrifice to make you happy. I thank God for my mother who has done all of that for me.
Love, Aneyah