I've always known I would be a great mum.
Call it intuition or just plain confidence, but it's been a truth I've held onto since I was a kid. But here's the funny thing: in today's world, saying that out loud can earn you some side-eye, as if declaring you're the bee's knees (or the cat's pajamas, if you will). But that's not it at all.
From a young age, I dreamed of being a mum. Ironically, the closer I got to actually becoming one, the more I realized how unprepared I felt. I knew that motherhood would consume me. Sure, I'd be a stellar mum, but what about being a great wife, daughter, or friend? I understood that motherhood would dominate every aspect of my life.
Now, nearly three years into this wild ride with twins, I can confirm that my suspicions were spot on. I don’t think I’m a perfect mum—I know I make mistakes. There are times when I say or do things I regret, but I see those moments as learning experiences, part and parcel of this journey. I don’t claim to be the world’s best mum, because honestly, who could ever measure such a thing?
I firmly believe I’m a good mum, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with saying that. In our current culture, it seems you either have to be constantly down on yourself as a parent or risk being judged. If you express confidence in your parenting, some might take it as a slight against their own methods, leading to unnecessary judgment and comparison.
Most parents are doing their absolute best with the knowledge and resources they have. Sure, the more you know, the better you might do, but even with all the knowledge in the world, things can still go awry. And that’s perfectly fine.
Parenthood is deeply emotional. We're hyper-sensitive and defensive about our choices, which makes open, genuine conversations about parenting challenging. There's always a sense of treading carefully around others’ beliefs and actions. This hyper-awareness can make us seem less genuine as a species. Imagine if we all spoke our minds freely—would the world be a better place, or would it create more chaos?
So, here’s to all the parents out there doing their best, embracing the ups and downs, and navigating this wild journey with love and resilience. We might not be perfect, but we're perfect for our children, and that's what truly matters.