Motherhood is a beautiful, messy, and unpredictable journey. As a working mom, I used to believe I had to get everything just right—perfect home, perfect meals, perfect work-life balance, and perfect parenting. But striving for perfection quickly led to exhaustion, self-doubt, and guilt. If you’ve ever felt like you’re failing because you don’t meet some impossible standard, you’re not alone. I’ve been there. And through trial, error, and plenty of tears, I’ve learned that letting go of perfectionism is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and our children.
The Pressure to Be a “Perfect” Mom
From the moment I became a mother, I felt the pressure to do everything flawlessly. Social media bombarded me with images of moms who seemed to have it all together—spotless homes, beautifully packed school lunches, thriving careers, and happy, well-behaved children. Meanwhile, I was just trying to get through the day without forgetting something important or feeling like a failure.
One night, after a long day at work, I found myself sobbing in the kitchen because I had forgotten to pack my son’s favorite snack for daycare. It felt like the worst mistake in the world. But in that moment, I realized something: My son didn’t need me to be perfect. He just needed me to be present, loving, and kind—to him and to myself.
Learning to Manage Time Without Overwhelm
Time management as a working mom is tricky. The to-do list never ends, and trying to do everything perfectly only adds more stress. Over time, I discovered a few strategies that helped me stay sane:
- Prioritize the Essentials – Not everything on my to-do list was equally important. I started focusing on the tasks that truly mattered—spending quality time with my son, handling work deadlines, and keeping our home functional, not spotless.
- Use a Family Calendar – Keeping a shared calendar (both digital and a physical one in the kitchen) helped me stay on top of school events, doctor appointments, and work meetings without feeling overwhelmed.
- Embrace “Good Enough” – Some nights, dinner is frozen pizza, and that’s okay. Some days, I forget to sign a school form, and we figure it out. My son is loved and cared for—that’s what truly matters.
Overcoming Mom Guilt
Guilt is a constant companion for many mothers. I used to feel guilty for leaving my son at daycare, for missing a school event because of work, for not baking homemade cookies like other moms. But I realized that guilt only drains energy and prevents me from enjoying the moments I do have.
Here’s what helped me overcome mom guilt:
- Reframing My Thinking – Instead of focusing on what I wasn’t doing, I started appreciating what I was doing. My son sees a mom who works hard, loves him fiercely, and does her best every day.
- Quality Over Quantity – I may not be with my son 24/7, but when I am, I make it count. We have bedtime stories, weekend adventures, and lots of hugs and laughter.
- Letting Go of Comparison – Every family is different, and every mom has her struggles. I stopped comparing myself to others and focused on what worked best for my family.
The Importance of Self-Care (Without Guilt)
For the longest time, I believed self-care was selfish. How could I take time for myself when there was so much to do? But I learned the hard way that burnout doesn’t make me a better mom—it makes me exhausted, irritable, and less patient with my child.
Self-care doesn’t have to be extravagant or time-consuming. Here’s what works for me:
- Small Daily Rituals – A hot cup of coffee in the morning before my son wakes up, a short walk, or listening to my favorite podcast while doing chores.
- Setting Boundaries – I stopped saying “yes” to everything. I don’t have to volunteer for every school event or stay up late answering work emails.
- Asking for Help – I used to think I had to do it all alone. Now, I lean on my partner, family, and friends when I need support. Accepting help doesn’t mean I’m failing—it means I’m human.
Finding a Healthy Work-Life Balance
Balancing work and motherhood isn’t about achieving perfect harmony; it’s about making intentional choices that align with your values. Here are some lessons I’ve learned:
- Be Fully Present – When I’m with my son, I put my phone away and focus on him. When I’m at work, I give it my best effort without feeling guilty.
- Create Routines That Work for You – Some mornings are chaotic, but having simple routines—like packing lunches the night before—helps things run more smoothly.
- Give Yourself Grace – Some days, work takes priority; other days, family comes first. And that’s okay. Flexibility is key.
Embracing Imperfection
Letting go of perfectionism doesn’t mean lowering our standards; it means accepting that we are already enough as we are. Motherhood is not about getting everything right—it’s about loving our children wholeheartedly, even on the messy, imperfect days.
So, to every mom out there feeling the weight of perfectionism, I want to tell you this: You are doing an incredible job. Your child doesn’t need a perfect mom. They need a happy, present, and loving one. And that’s exactly who you are.
Let’s give ourselves the grace to be real, to embrace the chaos, and to know that we are enough—just as we are.
I’m Zara Michell
