10 Things Moms Should Never Apologize For

1. Taking time out for self-care

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Putting everyone else's needs in front of your own comes with the territory of being a mom.  But this means that everyone else has got to be looked after before you can even think about taking some time for yourself.  With no self-care or time to yourself, it's no surprise that, sometimes, you get to your breaking point.  And how do you expect to look after everyone else when you're not looking after yourself?  So take some time out for your own self-care so you can recharge your physical and mental well-being.  And DON'T feel guilty about it!

2. Asking for help & support

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Moms are superheroes, but that doesn't mean that you have these unlimited and out-of-this-world superpowers to help you to get everything done perfectly.  As a parent, there are SO many tasks that need completing on a day-to-day basis, and at the same time, you have to also keep your little (or big) humans alive, and well looked after, both physically and emotionally.  It's a big ask for anyone, so remember, it's totally OK to ask for help and support when you need it.  There's absolutely no shame in admitting you need it!

3. Prioritizing your own mental health

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As well as asking for support and taking time out for self-care, as a mom, you also need to make sure that you are also prioritizing your own mental health.  This is not only essential for your own self-care and well-being, but it is also crucial as a mom to be emotionally available and resilient for their family.  There are different ways to prioritize your mental health but it is important to remember that it's not a one size fits all solution.

4. Saying NO

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As a mom, you are probably more than familiar with the word NO than those people without children and you definitely use the word at least 987,894,321 times a day!  But you probably only use the word on your children and not anyone else, right?  Especially when people make plans for play dates at your house or want you to go out shopping with them.  But it's a great skill to learn, to prioritize your own and your children's well-being and just say NO sometimes without saying sorry.

5. Expressing emotions

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Being a parent is hard.  And sometimes, your emotions might get the better of you and you just explode into tears, anger, joy, and excitement, and you should feel free to express these emotions.  But the thing is, you don't have to feel guilty or apologize about expressing your emotions because it shows the people around you how you are really feeling.  It also lets your kids know that expressing emotions is actually OK and you shouldn't bottle it up!

6. Making mistakes

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Despite what you may have been told, or what you believe, as a mom, you are not immune to making mistakes.  And if you do make a mistake, the world is not going to end and your children are not going to grow up resenting you for it.  The thing is, you are a human being and you have got to remember that all human beings make mistakes.  And it is not a terrible thing for your kids to see either because they will learn that making mistakes is just a common part of life.

7. Setting boundaries

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Setting crystal clear boundaries with the people in your life is essential for your well-being and the health of your relationships.  It is easier if you set them from the very beginning of a relationship with anyone but it is also possible to do it later on too.  Setting boundaries with your kids teaches them to do this too so they can grow with healthy relationships and a good sense of well-being throughout their lives.

8. Enforcing rules

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As a mom, you certainly should not apologize or feel guilty for not only setting boundaries with your kids but also enforcing the rules that you set for them too.  Rules are essential for a child's development and also crucial for their safety as they grow and learn about the world.  And as a mom, you should stand by your decisions a remain consistent with the rules that you have set.

9. Making tough decisions

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Sometimes, moms are put in some really sticky situations where they have to make some really tough decisions for their children's well-being.  These choices might be difficult and possibly really unpopular with others, but it is important that as a mom, you trust your instincts and stand by your decisions, especially when they relate to your children's safety and well-being.

10. Pursuing your own dreams and aspirations

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When you become a mom, this should not mean that your own dreams and aspirations are things of the past.  You should never feel guilty for continuing to chase your dreams after you become a mom.  Just because you have responsibilities and children to care for, it does not mean that you are stripped of your identity.  You are still you and should continue to be you.

11. Making sacrifices for your family

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That being said, sometimes, it might also feel important for you to make sacrifices for your family, whether this means work, travel, or something else that you once did before having kids.  But remember, this is your choice and there is absolutely no shame in choosing what is best for you and your family.  Even if you let someone else down, they'll get over it and hopefully understand why you had to make that sacrifice.

12. Juggling work and family life

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As a working parent, there is so much to juggle in life and it can be really challenging to fit everything in!  But you need to know that you are doing a brilliant job, even if it doesn't feel like you are doing so well sometimes.  The thing is, being a parent can be super difficult in between the joy, and adding your work into the mix just gives you even more to juggle.  But it is important to know that you do not need to BOSS IT all of the time, simply showing up is enough, and you do not need to apologize for being a working mom.

13. Encouraging independence

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Sometimes we need a little break from the routine, right?  The routine of doing everything for everybody it seems: getting everyone's breakfast in the morning, putting away their laundry... But why not break this routine and get your kids to do some of these jobs themselves?  You'll probably find that they're more capable than you might've thought and it encourages their independence.  You're not letting go, you're helping them to be independent in the world and you should never apologize for that!

14. Choosing your own parenting style

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Whether you choose the gentle parenting approach or attachment parenting or another approach; or whether you're a bottle feeder, breastfeeder, baby-led weaning; whatever!  You should never feel guilty or feel like you have to apologize to others for their view of your parenting style.  As long as the children are loved and looked after, that's all you need to think about, not other people's opinions about how you choose to parent!

15. Apologizing for your children

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Sometimes, it is pretty common for moms to apologize for their children's behavior.  They could have completely trashed their friend's room when they were on a playdate or smeared their sticky fingers all over their granny's spectacles.  But the thing is, they are just kids being kids!  YOU didn't do those things so why should you say sorry?  But note, if they have done something you feel should be apologized for, then make them do it!

16. Being assertive & advocating for your children's education & well-being

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Being assertive as a parent always gets you a bad reputation.  In fact, some might label you as a 'pushy parent' or 'high-maintenance', but the truth is, being assertive and advocating for your children's education and well-being is exactly what you should be doing as a parent.  So don't apologize for it, you are only doing what any mother would do for their kids!

17. Delegating responsibilities

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Being a mom is such a huge responsibility, and it's important to understand that there are so many different tasks, obligations, and responsibilities under the umbrella of being a mom that you probably wonder how one person can do all of these things, usually all at the same time!  So don't feel guilty for delegating some of these tasks to your kids (making sure they are age-appropriate, of course!), your parents, friends, partner, or anyone else you trust!

18. Saying "I don't know"

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When you become a mom, you're not instantly granted to world's knowledge and skills.  You are still a human being, and as a parent, a human being who is continuously learning how to be a parent!  So it's OK to admit that sometimes you don't know the answer or a solution and it's totally fine to say "I don't know" to your kids too.  This allows you to learn and grow together.

19. Finding support networks

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When you first become a mom, sometimes it might feel like you have to show everyone that you can do it alone so you can look like a great parent!  But being a great parent doesn't mean going it alone and it is really important to remember that you can ask for help and seek out your own support networks.  Whether that's friends, family, a local baby group, or an online community; support networks can really help with your well-being as a mom.

20.  Taking breaks when you need them

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Being a mom is a full-time job.  And no, we obviously do not mean your typical 9-5, which can be super tiring alone!  No, we mean a 24/7 job, around the clock, every day.  It is extremely rewarding though as you watch your little ones grow and learn but no matter how heartwarming and rewarding it is, moms still need a break too.  So take a break for your own sanity and well-being.  You will find that you come back feeling refreshed and recharged!

21. Encouraging open communication

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As a mom, you are not only responsible for your kid's physical health, but you are also responsible for nurturing their mental health and helping them to develop emotional intelligence too.  So providing and encouraging an environment where your kids will feel comfortable discussing their feelings and concerns can really help them to grow into well-rounded individuals who are not afraid of advocating for their own well-being.

22. Prioritizing quality over quantity

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As a mom, it is common to compare yourself to other moms, especially in the age of social media.  When you scroll, you might be astonished by the sheer amounts of activities they are able to do with their kids in a day.  But it is so important to remember that the world of social media is just not real and comparing yourself to other moms and influencer parents is just not helpful and will never bring you happiness.  It's not about the amount of activities you manage to do but about the quality of the time you spend with your kids.  That's what they're going to remember the most.

23. Using your "Mom Voice"

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Every mom has their own version of their "Mom Voice" that they bring out when they need it.  Usually, it's because moms need to be pretty stern now and then for their kids to take them seriously.  But being stern and bringing out your Mom Voice is absolutely nothing to apologize for afterward.  In fact, it's a very useful thing to have and certainly something for you to perfect!

24. Having a stash of emergency snacks... just for you

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As a mom, it's always a good idea to have a stash of snacks hidden away for emergencies.  You don't want to be caught in the middle of a day out with your kids with no snacks... who knows what horror will go down.  But the thing is, you should also have a stash of YOUR favorite snacks JUST FOR YOU as well and you don't have to feel guilty or tell anyone.

25. Mom brain moments

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You probably know all too well what we mean when we refer to 'mom brain moments'.  As a mom, you certainly have a lot on your plate, so no one in the world can rightly criticize you for occasionally forgetting or not something or having the occasional clumsy moment.  And if they do, just know that this is certainly not something for you to apologize for.

26. Unintentional baby talk

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As a mom, you are probably spending a great deal of your time with your offspring, especially if they are still very small.  And particularly when they are babies, you might find that you don't spend a significant amount of time with grown-ups.  Therefore, a grown-up conversation is a little out of the question day to day.  So nobody is going to blame you for occasionally and unintentionally speaking to them in baby talk.  Just laugh it off!

27. Messy homes

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Anyone with children in their household will tell you tales about their struggles with keeping their homes tidy.  It probably feels like a never-ending job that you have to complete again and again.  But what is wrong with the mess?  If you think about it, the mess is evidence of play and play equals happiness and curiosity.  As long as your house is not dirty or unsafe, a little mess is not the end of the world.  Your kids are never going to remember growing up in a spotless house, but they will remember you playing with them rather than doing endless household chores!

28. Mismatched socks

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Have you ever seen a kid with matching socks?  If you have, you might wonder how on earth their parents do it!  We don't know about you but it feels impossible to keep little socks (and big socks) together!  The kids might put one in the laundry and one on their bedroom floor or you might feel like the washing machine is conspiring against your dream for matching socks and eating one sock from every single pair you own.  Either way, don't apologize, odd socks add to the excitement of family life!

29. Embarrassing nicknames

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Coming up with cute and endearing nicknames for your kids is one of the super fun parts of being a mom.  From the 'sweethearts' to the 'pumpkins' to the 'snuggle muffins'.  Whatever cute nickname you come up with for your precious offspring will be sure to capture a few eye rolls, especially when they reach their teenage years.  You might not want to risk embarrassing them in front of their pals, but they are admittedly part of the charm of motherhood.

30. Taking pride in your parenting journey

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Everyone's parenting journey is unique, just like every parent and child is unique.  Everyone is on their own journey and sometimes, you are so busy that you forget to pause and take pride in how far you've come and what you have achieved as a mom.  And you shouldn't feel like it's big-headed of you to be proud of yourself as a parent.  You're doing a wonderful job!