Women's Support Network

Not to sound like a stay at home mom cliche, but I was watching Oprah today and this topic came up. I wanted to share my thoughts:

This era of multi-tasking mothers has taken on an incredible amount of extra-curricular activities and responsibilities. We are constantly on the go. From grocery shopping to playgroups, soccer practice to dance recitals, birthday parties, trips to the zoo, doctor's visits, not to mention everyday household chores such as cooking, cleaning, picking up after the kids (and most of our husbands), etc. Most of us are sleep deprived. Some by choice because we try to do a million things at night once the kids are in bed, or try to spend a few minutes alone with our husbands. Some haven't slept in months because of a new baby. Face it, we don't take care of ourselves. As mothers, we seem to have put the sole burden on our shoulders. We don't ask for help and we become frustrated and overwhelmed.

Why are we, as women and mothers, so critical of other women? We are so quick to judge the parenting styles of other mothers. Jealousy runs ramped in women as we strive to be the kind of wife or mother that Susie So and So is. Have we not ALL made mistakes? Have we not ALL been so exhausted and overwhelmed that we have been quick tempered with our kids? Have we not ALL yelled and cried because our husbands left their laundry in a pile on the floor six inches from the hamper or left the empty toilet paper roll hanging there? Ok, maybe that last one is just me.

I am a stay at home mom of two beautiful children, Megan who is 2 years old and Jackson, 2 months old. To me, being a mother is the most trying and most rewarding job I have ever had in my life. I said to my husband the other day that I don't feel I have any quality time with my daughter. I am constantly telling her "No!" Stop that! Put that down! Get that out of your mouth!" My husband reassured me that I get most of the quality time. Sometimes we get so overworked and under appreciated that we just overlook the good.

Whether we are stay at home moms or working mothers, the mother of one or the mother of five, single moms or happily married or even unhappily married...we all share a common bond. We just do the best we can. We all want what is best for our children and families. We should be working together as women...as wives...as mothers to support one another.

I am thankful that God has blessed me in so many ways. I strive to be the best wife and mother I can be. So, if you are a wife or mother who is overworked and under appreciated, I want you to join me in a promise:

"I promise to take time for myself. I understand that no one is perfect. I will strive to be patient, loving and generous. There is no shame in asking for help. I promise to ask for help BEFORE I get overwhelmed. I promise to keep my head held high and not to compare myself to other women. I will concentrate on how to better the relationships in my life. I will support and uplift the women in my life and will be a stronger woman for having done so!"