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10 Reasons You’re a Good Mom

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sponsored affiliate disclosure10 Reasons You're a Good Mom

One of the biggest challenges of being a mom is keeping up with our kids. Whether they’re tiny infants or teenagers learning to drive, doesn’t if often seem like we’re learning right along with them? You could read all the parenting books in the world and still not have all the answers.

Luckily kids are resilient and most of us do learn quickly. But I know many of us wonder if we’re doing a good job. I didn’t have an ideal childhood myself and often fear I’m “messing up” my four children kids for the rest of their lives. But when I stop and really think about it, I know I’m far from perfect, but I’m doing okay. 

My best friend and sister is mom to my darling little niece. She’s an adorable precocious two year old who likes to keep her mom busy. And my sister often questions whether she’s a good mom, just like I do. She’s not perfect, just like the rest of us. But I see an amazing mom who adores her child and would do just about anything for her. I can see her love when she kisses her daughter’s boo-boo or teaches her daughter how to pick up her toys.

I remember one time recently when my sister was sick and completely exhausted. Her daughter was overtired and screaming as she tried to tell her mom something, but neither her mom nor I could understand her. My friend ever so gently tipped her little girl’s face up to her own and with the kind of love that only a mother can give, tenderly told her “I want to listen to you. Can you calm down so I can help you?” Yes, ordinary words, but the way she spoke them was extraordinary. And her daughter calmed down enough to communicate what she wanted (her favorite stuffed toy of course.) 

10 Reasons You're a Good Mom

Just like my sister and me, you may often feel inadequate or even that you’re an awful mom. But dear friends, let me encourage you and share a few reasons why you’re a good mom!

 

10 Reasons You’re a Good Mom:

 

  1. Do your kids tell you they love you?
    Or wrap their little arms around your neck in a squishy (maybe sticky) hug? They may even say they hate you, but that’s okay too because it means you’re setting limits.
  2. Are your kids happy?
    Do they smile and laugh? 
  3. Are you teaching your children to be polite?
    To say please and thank you or yes ma’am, yes sir? {And it doesn’t mean you’re a bad mom when they forget or you’re too tired to remind them!}
  4. Do your kids often interrupt you because they want to talk or play?
    That’s GOOD! I’m not saying you shouldn’t teach them to be polite about it – that’s something we’re working on right now – but it’s a good sign our kids are excited to share things with us.
  5. Is your house messy?
    Maybe you spent time with your children instead of cleaning, doing laundry, or cooking a homemade dinner. Guess what? The laundry will never end and the house will always need to be cleaned, but your kids will only be young once. 
  6. Do you research things like crazy because you want to make sure you’re doing the best job you can?
    But you also try to shut out all the noise from all the “experts” telling you what to do and just do what feels right for you and your family. 
  7. Do you recognize that each child is unique?
    They’re each different – even close siblings – just like we are. And what works for one child doesn’t work for another. If you realize this and treat your kids accordingly, you’re already a step ahead of many parents. 
  8. You work hard for your family.
    Whether you work outside the home, work from home, or you’re a stay at home mom, we ALL work hard for our families. Give yourself credit, friend!
  9. Sometimes you put yourself first.
    Who else but you will recognize that YOU are exhausted and need a break? Sometimes you have to say “no” to one more after school activity even though it may be a good thing for your child because it’s too much for YOU. It’s the same reason why we’re told on the airplane to put the oxygen mask on ourselves first and then the kids. I had to learn this lesson the hard way during my struggle with hypothyroidism the past couple years. And it’s good for kids to realize the world doesn’t revolve around them when they’re still young.
  10. You regularly tell your children that you love them.

 

Check out this new video from my partner, Minute Maid. Share it with the friends and family in your life who could use a reminder that they, too, are doing a great job as a parent.

Follow Minute Maid on Facebook and Twitter.

Giveaway Graphic (2)

1 lucky winner will receive a Minute Maid prize pack, including a $250 VISA Gift Card!

This giveaway ends on May 15, 2015 at 11:59 pm EST.
Open to the US only, ages 18+.
Click here for complete rules and disclosure.

Enter the giveaway by commenting. You can comment once for each entry. 
1. REQUIRED for entry: Tell me about someone you know who is doing a better job as a parent than he/she might think. 
2. Join our newsletter and confirm.

The winner is Jennifer Williams!

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. My mom is doing a better job at parenting than she thinks because she got remarried and is handling being a step mom very well.

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  5. My mom is doing a better job than she thinks. My parents are divorced and that has caused a lot of stress but she is still there to listen to me everyday and love me unconditionally!

    Reply

  7. My niece is a single mom of 3 who works and takes care of her kids and I think that in spite of her situation, she’s doing a great job and being an amazing Mother and providing the best she can yet I don’t know if she realizes it.

    Reply

  8. My friend Donna is a nurse and mother of toddler twins and she’s doing great. I’m amazed at how she juggles it all.

    Reply

  10. People say that to me all the time. It’s a hard job, and I don’t think anyone can be perfect at it. I’m just happy when my kids are happy.

    Reply

  11. I have a friend who is a single mom of 4 young boys. her oldest is graduating high school this year and her youngest is a t-ball player in our little league. She is doing an awesome job.

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  12. I have a friend who thinks that she is not doing a enough for her kids when in fact she sacrifices everything for her kids! She loves them unconditionally and would lay down her life for them!

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  14. I admire my sister in law. She’s a mom/stepmom to 7 kids. She’s so loving and caring to all the kids. She has the patience of a saint. She’s such a caring and giving person and she’s really a person to be admired.

    Reply

  15. My sister is a very new mother and at time she is overwhelmed and doesn’t know if she is doing things right because it’s all so new. But she is trying so hard and doing so well. She reads up on things and notices right away if anything is wrong and she really goes with her instincts!

    Reply

  17. My sister is a new parent of triplets, I joke about how she is a better parent than me to my first born.

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  19. My sister is doing a great job. She has 4 kids a wide variety of ages and needs and she keeps it all organized

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  20. My friend from college is doing a great job. Life is a little stressful for her and her husband because they are both working retail and trying to juggle their schedules to take care of their child. They are doing a great job and spend quality time with their child and teach her good values.

    Reply

  22. My neighbor Sylvia is a better mom than she realizes. She always cares for her son and is very supportive of him. She is always patient and loving, even when she is stressed. I really admire her caring personality.

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  23. My church member, Angel! She had three young kids and they all have been through so much! She really is amazing mother:)

    Reply

  25. One of my best friends took in her two nephews a year ago. One’s a teenager and the other a kindergartener, they’ve been through a lot of hard times in their lives and she is doing an incredible job of making them feel loved and at home/ that they have a home. There’s still a long road to go but she is truly a superwoman. She already had a toddler and just gave birth, four kids in the house! She feels like she’s treading water and neglecting things, but I celebrate her strength and how much she’s turned those two boys lives around.

    Reply

  26. I think my Mom is doing a great job as a mother. Though I am no longer a kid, a lot seems to have been going on lately and she is really there to listen to me.

    Reply

  28. My mother is doing a better job as a parent than she might think. She’s always thinking of others. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  30. My daughter is definitely doing a better job as a mom than she thinks! Her sons, my two grandsons, are very young and close in age and she shows them nothing but love and patience!

    Reply

  32. Someone I know who is doing a better job as a parent than she might think is my sister. She is an excellent parent, but often times sells herself short thinking she isn’t doing that great of job because she’s so busy! But I know for a fact that her daughter doesn’t feel that way at all!

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  34. My wife is doing a better job than she thinks. We have 3 children ( 1 “tween” girl and twin boys) and raising them can be a challenge at times! My wife thinks she is failing at the whole mom thing sometimes, I feel that she is very successful because she works a full time job, and then comes home to help with the kids with their homework. I help out too of course with raising our kids and making dinner every night! Our kids are not perfect, but then again who is? Overall we have raised 3 great kids.

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  39. My sister who has 3 kids & a husband in the military who is not home a lot – she is doing a great job!

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  40. I have a friend with 2 small kids that does such a great job juggling every part of motherhood. She is a sweet mama

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  42. My sister in law is a fantastic, hard working, hands on Mother who does so much and asks for so little. She’s #doingood and I’d love for her to know that.

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  43. My daughter in law is. She is an amazing mother much better than I was and I was pretty good

    Reply

  45. My sister is a great mom. She works hard as a single mom, and she feels guilty about that.

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  46. Honestly one of my coworkers feels as if she can never make her little ones happy. She is raising them both on her own and struggles. I try to tell her that she is an AMAZING mother and that money can not buy her kids true affection towards her.

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  47. My friend was worried about being a first time single mom but her son is happy healthy and smart.

    Reply

  50. A friend of mine just went through a divorce and has four kids, she’s stressed a lot. But she’s doing an amazing job, her kids are thriving.

    Reply

  52. My best friend Maxanne. She has a wonderful son who has Cerebral Palsy and she is constantly questioning herself. But when I look at her I see an amazing loving mom, who does everything she can to make his life better.

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  54. My friend is being a better parent than he realizes right now. His son is 18 & has had some problems lately related to bad decisions he is making. My friends is sticking to his morals and not jumping in to bail him out of problems he finds himself in. The tough love seems to be hurting him more than his son but I think it is the right thing.

    Reply

  55. My niece is doing a great job and just may not realize it. She had a surprise 3rd pregnancy that she and her husband weren’t planning on but a couple years later and I think she’s #doingood managing and raising her kids.

    Reply

  58. My teacher manages to keep her kids in check even though she is strict enough that the kids can only do so much.

    Reply

  61. I think my Mom is doing a better job than she thinks she is. Even though my brother and I are grown with families of our own, she is still always there for us and always doubting her efforts, wishing she could do more. She goes above and beyond what is expected of her all of the time, but never quite gives herself a break. She is selfless beyond words.

    Reply

  64. I know a young lady who is raising seven children from combined households and I know she is doing a better job than she thinks.

    Reply

  66. My BFF Tina is doing ️an amazing and so much better job as a mom than she thinks she is. She has 2 boys, 13 and 11. They run her crazy everyday- there 2 boys! But they are polite, honest, humble, and hard workers with perfect manners! I don’t know how she has done it, this long by herself. I only have 1 boy and 2 girls, thank heavens! Boys are so much different than girls! Wow never knew it til I had one for myself!! Thanks for letting me share, actually put a smile on myself to praise some one else! 🙂

    Reply

  68. Your list made me tear up – thank you so much for the encouragement and reminder that *I* am a good mom.

    Reply

  72. My sister is a great single mom to her two daughters. She always thinks she spoils the girls but she doesn’t. Also, she has to play the mom & dad roles

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  74. My sister is a much better mother then she thinks she is. 8 years ago her ex to her to court and got custody of her five children. She couldnt afford to pay the 5,000 for a decent lawyer like he could, so she represented herself. Due to the lack of lawyer the father got custody. She gets them every other weekend and every monday. If they say “can I see mommy” on a day thats not hers, they are not allowed to go. but if they say “Can i see daddy?” or her day, she is FORCED to take them to him. She pays 400 per pay check for them. whatever money she has left, even if its for car insurance, she goes out of her way to spoil those kids. they are ages 20, 18, 15, 13, and 11. she pays for their soft ball and any dance they want to go to. even if she spends her entire pay check on those measly days she gets them, she doesnt care. she loves seeing them happy. She doubts herself as a mother because she isnt allowed to see them like she wishes. She use to be able to see them whenever but she had to give her ex ‘special treatment’ to see them. plus allowing him to beat her. it was pure black mail. she let it go on for 3 years. She is a wonderful mother. and if i get this, its going straight to her. she does so much, she deserves the world.

    Reply

  75. one of my good friends has two small kids and she is doing a great job. she keeps it ll together better than i ever could lol

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  77. My sister is an amazing mom and she doesn’t give herself enough credit. She has three daughters and their dad has chosen not to be in their life. She’s doing amazing at work and is building a career working full time. No matter how tired she is she always takes the time to make sure my nieces are taken care of on every level and that they are excelling in their school work. They look up to her and she is their hero. I wish she would just stop and look at the incredible job she is doing.
    turtleemiwee(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply

  80. My niece has five kids, and although it’s hectic, she is very involved in each of their lives.

    Reply

  82. My friend is doing a better job that she or anyone else thought she would be as a parent. She used to be very self-centered and not patient at all. She is now the most patient parent I know and doing a wonderful job. I’m proud of her!

    Reply

  86. When I read your question a flood of mommas I know came into my brain but while I was reading this it made ME realize that I AM doing a much better job at being a mom than I think I am most days. Most days I feel like I am failing, most days I am scared. When I read this it brought confirmation that I am raising a wonderful child which means I must be doing a wonderful job. Thank you.

    Reply

  87. My best friend is an awesome mom of 4. She has many struggles, her children aren’t perfect, and I know she questions whether she is a good mom or not. Her kids are her priority and they are her ever present choice. She is a wonderful mom.

    * I am also confirming for the newsletter.

    Reply

  88. My sister is doing a WAY better job as a mother than she thinks. My sister is some what of a perfectionist and she can be really hard on herself. But I often wish she could see herself as the mother and woman I see her as. She is an inspiration and daily example to me of how I can do better as a mother myself.

    Reply

  89. My sister is a beautiful mother. She is constantly telling me that she wishes she could parent more like I do with my daughter, which is hilarious to me because I watch her parenting her daughter and I wish I could rewind time and parent my daughter like she does with hers. She is so organized and is so creative with her activities. She is so calm and patient with her little girl. My sister is such a fun mom. She doesn’t see the strong example she is setting for her little girl and I wish she could see it.

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  90. My mom, she sometimes thinks says she didn’t do a good job with us for reasons I won’t go into, but she has been an amazing mother

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  93. My sister..she always doubts her parenting skills..but is the most caring mother I know, just like our mom!

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  95. My friend Dawn is always in doubt of herself as a mom because she deals with two teens that each deal with some mental health issues. She is AMAZING as a mom and does so much more than she sees in herself.

    Reply

  98. My sister has two kids, and sometimes doubts herself as a parent, she works out of the home, goes to school, and volunteers at her kids events and schools, and she is a trainer at the gym. She is a super mom i think, and she does a great job juggling it all quite well.

    Reply

  100. My sister is doing so much better as a great Mom to her daughter and son. She is going through a heartbreaking ordeal with my nephew who is only 2 has a brain tumor. He is getting chemo, and I am amazed at all her patience and love for him, and how she manages to keep up with her daughter and her schooling during this difficult time. She is an inspiration to me!

    Reply

  103. I think my mom is doing a better job of being a mother than she thinks.

    By the way, I am saving this blog on my bookmarks so I can share with my friends when they have children and also for when I have kids too. =]

    Reply

  104. My mother in law sometimes thinks she is not doing a good job because she can’t help her kids in certain situations but I think she is doing awesome.

    Reply

  105. My sister-in-law is my pick. She is in the teenage phase. They are trying her patience but she is maintaining her patience and sense of humor.

    Reply

  108. My cousin is a single mom of three kids, 1 boy and 2 girls ages 6, 4 and 1 and doesn’t receive child support and works full time and is doing a great job especially with making sure her kids stay in different activities

    Reply

  110. My sister is doing a much better job than she thinks. She feels she struggles balancing her own full time business and family, but she is doing great!

    Reply

  112. My wife is a much better mother than she realizes. She often feels overwhelmed or inadequate, but she is a terrific mother.

    Reply

  114. My Mom is doing a better job at parenting..she needs to stop rehashing things that happened years ago..we all make mistakes; that’s what makes us better people, I love her no matter what..she is an amazing Mom, she did what she did because it was right at the time..no one is pointing fingers at her.

    Reply

  116. My wife is doing a better job than she thinks as a wife and mother. She is the rock of this family and sacrifices everything for our kids. She is the best wife and mother our family could have.

    Reply

  118. I have a friend who is doubtful of their skills as a mom, but they are doing a better job than they think.

    Reply

  123. My Sister Is Doing A Wonderful Job As A Single Mom. She Works Very Hard To Provide For Her Kids! She Doing A Better Job Than She Gives Herself Credit For.

    Reply

  126. Someone I know who is doing a better job as a parent than she might think is my Mom.. I put her thru allot over the years but she always stands besides me and helps me to a better path.

    Reply

  127. A good friend of mine works hard to be a good mom, but she always second guesses herself. She’s amazing!
    Thanks for the giveaway. 🙂

    Reply

  131. My mother is an amazing parent, even though she thinks she is not. She has made me the person I am today and I am eternally greatful!

    Reply

  135. i have a friend who if not for her daughter I’m not sure she would be here !!! she is amazing and is doing way better than anyone thought! a recovering addict saved by a blessing from God!!! Its awesome

    Reply

  136. My sister is a much better parent than she thinks she is. She has a teenager daughter and those are definitely hard times on a teen, but also on the parent(s). My sister gives of herself and then some to do the best that she can. She always second guesses herself. She is doing a wonderful job with my niece.

    Reply

  138. I often feel as though I myself could do a better job as a mom… but my kids are happy and healthy… so I suppose I’m doing just fine 🙂

    Reply

  139. My sister is doing a better job at parenting than she thinks. She always wonders if she is a good mom, but all around her see a caring, nurturing mom who is raising wonderful kids!

    Reply

  141. My cousin is doing a way better job than she gives her self credit for. She is doing it all on her own and doing great for her son

    Reply

  143. Probably… my daughters think that they are not doing their best as moms. I consider them wonderful mothers to their children!
    I signed up to your newsletter. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  144. My best friend just became a stepmom last year and worries constantly about not being good enough. She’s amazing and has really been a blessing in their lives!

    Reply

  146. My daughter has become a stepmother…..and she is always concerned she isn’t a good parent….she is wonderful with them

    Reply

  148. My oldest daughter is worried about being a good mom because she recently had to return to work. I think she is doing an amazing job. She is organized, loving, protective and has a lot of patience.

    Reply

  152. I know my husband gets discouraged because he works long hours and can’t be there for everything but I’ve watched him mature into an awesome dad and human in general and I’m very proud of him.

    Reply

  153. My friend is a single father and he is doing a great job. He is acting as a parent instead of a friend and sometimes that seems hard but it is the only way to do it. Thanks.

    Reply

  154. My brother and sister-in-law are doing a great job raising my nephew. I am very proud of my brother for doing the best he can for his family. He bought a foreclosed house about two years ago and remodeled it himself along with some friends. He works full time, but always has time for his nephew before and after work.

    Reply

  156. A friend of mine that is too hard on herself, definitely. She’s doing an amazing job raising those kids all on her own.

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  158. My sister is consistent and loving and sometimes feel it is just frustrating but on MOther’s Day this year she was really blessed

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  160. My fiancé is a way better father than he will ever give himself credit for. He loves our little boy with all his heart and would do anything to keep him safe and happy. He hurts himself trying to give us all he thinks we deserve. Honestly, though, his love is enough.

    Reply

  164. My sister is doing a much better job than she thinks she is. She is not only raising 3 little girls on her own but also in the Army. She is such a great role model and is always there to volunteer to read to their class or bake dozens of cookies for their classroom. I am so proud of her.

    Reply

  168. My friend was wild in college, barely attended classes, never took it seriously. She ended up getting pregnant and that turned her life around. She’s set to graduate college, she supports her kid by herself, works, and lives in a facility just to mothers who have to either work or go to school.. She has done so much to turn her life around for herself and for the betterment of her child.

    Reply

  171. I have a friend who is a new parent and she worries constantly about the job she is doing, and I keep telling her she is doing great, but she is so hard to convince

    Reply

  173. My daughter was so worried about the type of mother she would be when she found out she was pregnant last year. My grandbaby was born in January, and my daughter’s maternal instincts kicked right in. She is so great with my grandbaby Juno. I can see the love my daughter has, the care she takes of her and her ability to juggle being a new mom, her work and keeping up the household is just plain incredible.

    Reply

  175. my friend crys is doing a great job although she might doubt herself at times cause of her oldest kid… but she really is a wonderful mom

    Reply

  176. My sister in law is doing a much better job managing having both a teen and elementary school age children. She’s a great role model and they respect her.

    Reply

  179. My brother works full time but always find time for his kids. He is doing way better as a parent then he thinks!

    Reply

  181. I know a couple friends who don’t think they are doing a good enough job. If your kids are happy, healthy and playing you are doing good job. You have to have confidence that what you are doing is right. Get a support group of moms and attend. It does wonders for your self-esteem and confidence.

    Reply

  183. My best friend is raising two young boys and she handles each day with grace and love and I am so impressed with how she stays organized and calm. The boys are delights to be around, mannerly and well-behaved. I know she is so busy and things are chaotic, but I want her to know she is doing such a fabulous job!

    Reply

  185. My sister is the best mom that I know. She gives everything she has to her kids. She’s always there for them and always at every event — sports, music, school, etc. for her kids. We grew up with horrible parents and a very dysfunctional family — its amazing that she has turned into the perfect mom because the examples we had were terrible.

    Reply

  187. My niece is with her little boy she is awesome as a mom her little one love his mommy so much too.

    Reply

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