From One Worrying Mom to Another

I'm a mom. It's my job to constantly worry. I wonder if I am being a good mom and if I am doing the right things to raise my daughter. One of the most ironic pieces of advice came from my own mother.

My mom was also a constant worrier when we were growing up and still is too this day. She questions whether her adult children have eaten enough, are dressed warm enough, etc. She really is a loving mom and means well - but the woman does worry unnecessarily.

I was amazed when I confided in my mom that I was worried that I wasn't a good enough mom. My mom immediately shared advice with me that I shouldn't worry. She told me that worrying won't do me any good as it doesn't change anything. But the piece of advice that she gave me that really changed my perspective was that worrying was normal and all moms do it.

Just hearing from another mom that my concerns were normal helped me to feel validated and like I wasn't alone in this journey of motherhood. Now my mom and I often share laughs as we both worry about the same things. When we take my daughter out on a cold winter morning, we both find ourselves saying, "Is she dressed warmly enough?" as we smile and snap up her hood over her winter hat.

I am a good mom, and just like other mom's I worry. It's normal and its part of who I am. My mom helped me to understand that and maybe someday I can pass advice on to my own daughter when she becomes a mom.