5 Ways I’m Killing it as a Mom, and Not in a Good Way

The story I’m about to share is sponsored. Though I’ve received free product and/or compensation, all the opinions (and typos) are 100% my own.

Before I had kids I thought I’d be a great mom. And I am. But not in the way that I imagined I’d be. My expectations of motherhood are quite contrary to my reality. If my 20-year-old self saw myself now she may say “woah mama, you need to step it up!” But that’s cause she’s young and immature, and has no idea how hard this is.

My 30-year-old self would tell the 25-year-old new-mom me that self to lower her expectations a little, try her best, and enjoy the ride. I don’t have it all together. But I don’t think that’s what’s most important.

Here are 5 things I can’t seem to master as a mom but I’ve totally decided to stop stressing about.

Lil Critters vitamins for kids

1. Committing to playdates/ replying to texts: Did you text me about getting together today? Last week? Last month? I’m sorry. I likely haven’t replied and I promise it’s not you, it’s me. I blame it on mom brain but really, it’s the fact that I have 72 different things going on at the same time and I mentally replied to you right away. It’s the thought that counts right?

I think enough of us understand how this happens, and no one is ending friendships over our overflowing mental calendars.

2. Sticking to bedtimes: Ok, we are going to put the kids to bed at 7pm! Says me every single week. My son is pretty good about going to bed on time but my daughter is the QUEEN at negotiating. One more chapter, a drink of water, one more potty break. By 9:30 she’s finally sitting still and maybe starting to fall asleep.

The light at the end of the tunnel is knowing that when they’re teenagers they’ll want to sleep more than I do and I can finally get my sweet sweet revenge.

3. Sleeping in a bed alone (or at least just with my husband): After getting over the fact that it takes us forever to get the kids to bed the really depressing part is that they’re not even in their own rooms. My son at least has his own cozy domain on the floor at the foot of our bed. Our daughter winds up climbing up and snuggling right next to us.

Also see revenge plot in #2.

4. Keeping my house clean: Possibly one of the biggest LOL of this whole expectations versus reality comparison is this. What’s the saying? Cleaning the house when you have small children is like brushing your teeth while eating Oreos? I’ll buy it. Not that my house was something to call home about before they were born. But it’s not getting better anytime soon.

Recently my daughter told me to not worry about our messy house “a messy house is a fun house mommy!” she told me, totally unprompted. Has she been reading my mantra? I’m not sure. But I’m glad we’re on the same page.

5. Cooking a healthy meal every night (or really, any night): I want to laugh in the face of the person who was once me who thought I would ever be capable of anything remotely resembling of this. Making something? Sure. Making something organic/healthy on the regular? HA!

L’il Critters™ has a new Fruit n’ Honey Bee Active Complete Multivitamin that helps. It’s tasty, made with real clover honey along with essential vitamins and minerals and natural fruit flavors. My kids are not only down with the vitamins now, it’s like the gods are on my side lately because my daughter has recently started requesting steamed veggies as a side. Like who is this child? Thank you! Still not organic but hey, baby steps.

Lil Critters vitamins for kids

Instead of beating myself up about all of my imperfections I’ve decided to accept who I am and appreciate the fact that we all have different strengths. Some moms manage to be really good at healthy meal planning and keeping up with laundry. I manage to work from home, take pretty cute pictures of my kids and give them some L’il Critters™ vitamins to help make up for what I lack.

All I can do is try to get a little better every day, and hope that my shortcomings won’t make us wind up in therapy for the rest of our lives.

Lil Critters vitamins for kids

I love working with brands that support messages of keeping it real. Especially in parenting. That’s why I partnered with L’il Critters™ on this post. All opinions are my own.


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Jen Temcio says:

What a great analogy to trying to keep the house clean (brushing your teeth with oreoes in your mouth) Keeping a clean house is a horrible task for me with working 2 jobs and trying to do keep up with the house… (I LOVE LOVE LOVE your hair, BTW)

Katy Rose says:

As someone who does not have any kids, but has a sister with three little ones, I am always so impressed at everything moms do. Sure the house isn’t perfect or the bedtimes are fluid, but you take care of tiny human beings and give them all your love and support. It’s amazing! – Katy

This post is one of the main reasons I keep coming back to your blog. You know that you aren’t perfect and you use a bit of humor to capture that. You are an awesome parent in the sense that you learn from your mistakes, but you also know what to just blow off and not let it get to you! Thank you so much for sharing

I love this post! I often kill it as a mom. I kill it dead! LOL It’s just the nature of being a busy mom.

I loved this! I definitely think it’s important to just be the best you can be, and not worry about the imperfections! Oh, and on the teenage note– although they will sleep more, you will also need the energy to fight with the moody attitudes, and such! LOL So get ready!

Girl…ALL OF THIS!!! I can’t even pick one over the other because I can relate wholeheartedly to each and every word. This was awesome and beautifully transparent. Glad to know I’m not alone. And I definitely know you’re a kickass mom! 🙂

Merchon says:

Yup yup and yup. This post was so perfect. I remember being pregnant and my husband was telling me about his friend whose wife would yell at him for folding the clothes wrong. I thought, at least he is folding the clothes, right? I laughed and said I would never be like that. Fast forward to me sipping at my husband because he can’t put the pj tops with the regular tops because then when I am looking for pjs, I can’t find them. There is no such thing as a perfect Mom, but I think we are all doing our best, which is all our kids want!

Jennifer says:

Oh my goodness that is so funny about the laundry! Isn’t it crazy how things can quickly change so much?

Sarah says:

Oh my gosh YES about the Oreo thing. Totally borrowing that mantra next time I give myself grief. It’s a fun house!!

Sam Oskun says:

Great story for building a sweet home.
I work at home so If found your suggestions is helpful.

Keep up your good work. 🙂

erin says:

My mum says I slept great as a baby.


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Hi! I’m Jennifer Borget

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I'm a former journalist, and lifelong creator striving to make the world a better place. This is the space where I share my journey in making the most of every day by cherishing our individuality and celebrating our differences.



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