By: Kylie Mattu
Why is being a mom so hard these days?
The short answer is social media. The long answer? Moms are harder on themselves now more than ever and social media has a lot to do with it.
2014 is well under way, and with it we are becoming more entrenched in this electronic ‘age’ which in so many ways has opened up our worlds as moms. We connect with more moms across the city and the globe than ever, we commiserate in ways that just weren’t possible before. And along with this important way to connect has come a rising up anti-bullying movements, which is in essence is trying to make the world a better place.
But there is a massive disconnect happening.
Don’t you find that as a mom you are having a harder time making sense of how you fit in and find yourselves comparing your lives to others even more?
Why?
While social media has so many benefits we are harder on ourselves and on other moms more than ever. It’s so much easier to judge each other and be hard on ourselves when all we see is Pinterest perfection posted all around us.
Are OTHER moms doing a BETTER job at taking care of their families?
Moms ARE in fact most likely a provider for the family as well as a home keeper. If this is so, then why are we comparing ourselves to the other moms? They are doing the same job as us, living, surviving and raising their families, just like us.
As it is we struggle on a daily basis with our 5 minute makeovers in the morning, what we should wear to take the kids to school, what they should wear etc, etc.
Do other moms provide more for their families? We seem to think so. And with our friends, acquaintances and co-workers watching our every move it’s easy to get lost in the mess.
I’m Guilty Too
We all are doing what we feel is best for our families and we’re all different. Just as we teach our kids to not bully, we need moms inspiring and helping one another as well.
But, I’ve been completely guilty of all of this from judging others to judging and comparing myself to others. I constantly see the “adult bullying” or “mom blaming” that happens and it’s hard not to jump in.
It’s only recently that I’ve changed my tune. Nowadays I’m finding myself saying things like “who cares what other people do, worry about yourself and what YOU’RE doing. You’re doing the best you can with what YOU have”.
To be honest it’s a much better place being happy and kind to myself. It’s more work sometimes but it’s leading towards a much healthier type of lifestyle for me.
We also live in a world where positivity, and daily quotes drive us to keep our heads up and remind us we have it better than what we think. We post this good stuff on social media channels like Facebook to start our day off right or to possibly help someone else’s day off right.
We think it keeps us empowered, motivated, and strong during the day. But do we really follow our own advice?
It’s time for all of this to come into play, especially with mothers. So reach out and encourage other moms and at the very least stop judging, comparing or bullying.
Be kind to one another and yourself, mama.
Having lived in Vancouver for over 17 years Kylie has managed to dip her feet into different categories of education such as, Early Childhood, Make up artistry, Event Management and is still able to participate in all aspects. When Kylie is taking a break from making her dreams come true, you can find her hanging out with her family, spending time with friends and checking things off her bucket list. Ready for any challenge, Kylie is excited for what the future holds! Kylie has the honour of being a mom to three kids, wife to one and the Owner/Director of STAGE LAB Slow Motion Video Booth.