Frustrating Mommy Moments

Most women dream about having a baby along with imagining what it will be like to be a bride someday. For many of us, the maternal instinct kicks in early and stays with us until we are ready to have a little baby of our own. I can remember having a dream of becoming a mom years ago, but obviously wasn't ready for it back then. I knew that being a mom was a lot of hard work and a huge adjustment, but I think it's easy to underestimate the degree of both. Being a mom is life's greatest reward and provides you with an overwhelming love that you can't describe to others. Knowing that you created this baby and that you are responsible for their very being is exciting and overwhelming. There is nothing about motherhood that I would change, but I will be honest in saying that it can be frustrating.

It's not that women who have their frustrations with being a mom are bad people, it's more that we're human and we can be honest about it. Life throws you some curveballs and sometimes even the seemingly smallest thing can try your patience. I was never a patient person before and I've really had to work on that virtue because being a mom is unpredictable and sometimes even downright frustrating. I love my baby more than anything in the world, but I have my days where I have to take a step back and remember what it's all about.

It can be a temper tantrum, refusal to nap, or a crying spell that can send you over the edge. To be honest, I realize just how lucky I am because there are moms out there with real problems. I recognize that, but I will say that when a crying spell comes about it can try even the most patient individual. Being a mom is the hardest job you'll ever love! I've said it before and have heard that since I announced that I was pregnant. So what do you do when you're having that frustrating mommy moment? How do you persevere and overcome the moment where you feel like a less than stellar mom? Here's a few tips:

*Breath! Take a deep breath and remember what it's all about. You are the provider and caretaker, and along with your husband you are responsible for this baby's upbringing. So recognize that sometimes you just need to take a step back and breath deeply.

*Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Easier said than done if you are a perfectionist like me, but trust me when I say that not everything about having a baby is going to go according to plan. Give yourself a break sometimes and don't beat yourself up if times get tough.

*Allow yourself to get frustrated but don't let it turn into anger. We all have those moments and soon they pass, usually after you look into your baby's beautiful eyes. It's okay to get frustrated but be careful not to let it turn into anger. Yelling certainly won't help the situation and will in fact make everything worse. Take it easy, put the baby in the crib if necessary, and give yourself five minutes of mommy serenity if needed.

*Talk to others, you are not alone. Lack of sleep, temper tantrums, and crying spells can fray the nerves. So talk to somebody for perspective and an outlet. It can be your mom, friend, sister, or a fellow mom going through the same thing. Sometimes verbalizing it can take the load off your shoulders.

Being a mom is truly life's greatest gift! You are human though and have to allow yourself to feel the wide array of emotions that you go through. Remember what it's all about and how much you love that little baby. Even the toughest moment is just that...a moment that will pass.