Not too long ago, I found myself in a chaotic whirlwind—hair in a messy bun, yoga pants that hadn’t seen a wash in days, and a shirt that bore the remnants of my toddler’s lunchtime exploration. When my partner, Mike, walked through the door, I usually would have felt compelled to apologize for my appearance or the chaos surrounding me. But this time, something shifted. I was done feeling guilty. After a long day of toddler meltdowns and sleepless nights, I decided to embrace the chaos instead of apologizing for it. I expressed my frustrations about societal expectations and the unrealistic standards placed on mothers. That day marked a turning point, and I haven’t looked back since.
If you’re a mom who’s tired of saying “sorry” for things that don’t deserve an apology, here are ten more things we need to stop apologizing for.
1. Resting Mom Face
You’ve probably heard of “resting bitch face,” but let’s talk about “resting mom face.” It’s that serious look that says, “I’m counting to three, and you better shape up before I get there.” I wear it often, and you know what? I’m not sorry. It comes with the territory of raising little ones.
2. The Chicken Nugget Diet
When I first became a mom, I had every intention of providing my kids with a wholesome diet. But as it turns out, my little ones have a penchant for chicken nuggets and mac and cheese. Sure, I opt for the “organic” options, so that counts, right? If you’re feeling judgmental about it, just remember that sometimes, the easiest meals are the ones that keep the peace.
3. Bathroom Hideaways
When the chaos in my home reaches a breaking point, I sometimes sneak away to the bathroom to catch my breath. It’s my mini getaway where I can pretend I’m at a serene spa. Don’t judge; it’s a survival tactic that keeps my sanity intact.
4. Medication for Mental Health
Growing up, mental health issues were often dismissed. However, after battling postpartum depression, I sought help and found relief through anxiety medication. It’s been a game changer for me, and I refuse to apologize for prioritizing my mental health.
5. Screen Time
Yes, there are warnings about excessive screen time turning kids into mindless zombies, but you know what? When my toddler correctly identifies shapes after a Disney binge, I consider that a win. Sometimes, a little screen time is a necessary tool in our parenting toolkit.
6. Working Moms
Whether I work because I have to or because I want to, I shouldn’t feel guilty about it. Working moms face enough criticism as it is. We’re all hustling, so let’s stop the judgment.
7. Yelling When Necessary
I don’t enjoy raising my voice, but there are moments when it’s necessary—like when my child decides to strip down in a public restroom. Sometimes, urgency calls for volume, and I won’t apologize for that.
8. Having Opinions
Women’s opinions matter just as much as men’s, regardless of how we express them. I love sports and have strong views about them, and I refuse to apologize for speaking my mind. Everyone has a right to their voice.
9. Being Assertive
Why is it that women who express their thoughts earn negative labels while men are celebrated for being assertive? We need to flip this narrative. Assertive women are leaders, not bitches, and it’s high time we recognize that.
10. Living Authentically
It’s 2023; we no longer need to conform to outdated societal expectations. Whether you have tattoos, a loud personality, or an opinion that doesn’t align with the norm, live your truth unapologetically. Your identity is yours to define, not society’s.
Moms, it’s time we stop tiptoeing around the world. We belong here, and we have every right to take up space without feeling the need to apologize.
For more tips on navigating motherhood, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination at WHO. And if you’re interested in exploring the world of home insemination, consider checking out our article on artificial insemination kits which is sure to provide valuable insights. Additionally, Rei offers authoritative information on this topic that is worth exploring.
In summary, it’s time to embrace our identities as mothers without the burden of unnecessary apologies. We are strong, capable, and deserving of our space in this world.