A mom is often referred to by society as a Superhero but why? Probably because we do it all and then some! I’m not sure I realized when we decided to have kids that I would not only become a mom but a superhero as well. A superhero is defined as a benevolent fictional character with superhuman powers. I’m focusing on one word here, fictional. Being a superhero was never intended to be real but it’s presented to mothers in the form of a compliment. Moms translate said compliment to mean ‘if I can’t do it all then I am failing’ when in fact we aren’t failing at all! Think about everything you do for your family day in and day out. It’s stressful, overwhelming and quite frankly impossible at times isn’t it? No wonder we all feel defeated and deflated.
I started thinking of all the things that could be stemming from calling us superheroes and here are a few I came up with:
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Pressure to do it all.
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Shame in asking for help.
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I’m just a stay at home mom.
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Mom guilt.
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The list goes on. All I know and have realized in my five years as a mom is that I shouldn’t have to do it all. And if I’m being honest with myself (enters the perfectionist), I can’t do it all. It takes two people to make a baby and it takes a village to raise one.
So the next time you want to call us a superhero maybe take a moment, look at everything on our plate and offer to take something off. And mamas, let them take it off because you are strong enough to accept the help.