Welcome back, Supermom, to another insightful journey towards stress-free motherhood! I'm Deanna Hart, your guide on the Stress-Free Supermoms Podcast. Today, we're busting one of the biggest myths about motherhood: the "supermom" ideal. You know, that image of a woman who flawlessly juggles it all—house, kids, work, and everything in between—without a hair out of place. Sound familiar?
Before jumping in, let me confess: If you were waiting for last week's episode, my apologies. I was down with a sore throat sans voice, so here we are, catching up this week. Let's dive in!
So, what is a "supermom"? A quick search online might show you a woman who's handling all life's demands without batting an eye. But in my world? A supermom is someone who survives the chaos as best she can, keeps her hair somewhat intact, and knows when to ask for help.
I believe a true supermom isn't alone. She has a village. She knows when to ask for help because she understands that accepting assistance is a strength, not a weakness. Admitting I needed help wasn't always easy for me—it's tough! But embracing support has been so liberating.
When I lost my mom, I felt incredibly alone. Despite having a partner, my daughter's dad, I was burdened with the idea of managing everything myself. It wasn’t until later I realized I didn't have to—and shouldn’t—do it all alone. Reaching out for help wasn't a sign of weakness; it gave me strength.
Piece by piece, I built my village. My partner became my husband, friends became family, and surprisingly, even school events became networking opportunities. Teachers became allies, and online mom groups became my sanctuary for advice and support—such game-changers!
Acknowledging help makes you strong and more present. It eases stress and empowers you to enjoy life more. Plus, it introduces teamwork in the family and strengthens those cherished relationships with your kiddos, partner, and friends.
- Self-Care: Asking for help grants you space to recharge, refresh, and rejoice in life.
- Family Teamwork: Delegating tasks builds mutual respect and skills. Plus, your kids learn and grow!
- Stress Reduction: Less stress equals more energy. Burnout? Not in this house!
I get it. Asking for help isn't easy. Fear of judgment? Been there. Worried they're too busy to help? Felt that. But these hurdles can—and should—be overcome.
🔹 Fear of Failure or Judgment: Maybe you felt thought you weren’t “mom enough”? Let’s squash this notion and embrace help.
🔹 Control: They're not gonna do it "my" way? I’ve learned that’s okay! They'll grow by learning on their own.
🔹 Feeling Like a Burden: People often want to help but don’t know how. Remember, you are never a burden.
Start small. Begin with family and friends. Asking is like giving others a chance to contribute and strengthen your connections.
- Professional Support: Therapy and coaching can work wonders for those mental blocks.
- Community Resources: Seek positive online groups or community resources.
- Workplace Support: Advocate for flexibility or mental health days.
Okay, let's lay it down with some actionable steps:
1. Start Small: Ask kids for help with chores, or seek a friend's help occasionally.
2. Communicate Clearly: Express your overwhelm; people aren’t mind-readers!
3. Build a Routine: Establish regular help like carpools or scheduled meetups with friends.
Remember: Asking for help is strength, self-awareness, and love in action. So, take a small step this week and reach out—you deserve support and connection.
Thanks for spending this time with me! Share this post if it resonated with you and join our Stress-Free Supermoms Facebook group. Together, let's keep building this fantastic community.
Until next time, stay calm, stay strong, and keep thriving, Supermom!