The "Super Mom Trap"

Women tend to be givers - of their time, their emotional and physical energy, and their talents. And that's wonderful, a trait we hope to teach our children.

However, when you fall into the "super mom trap", you give to others to the point of losing yourself.

You know what I'm talking about, don't you?

* You say "yes" to lead the PTA, the local Girl Scout troop, and the Neighborhood Watch Committee.

* You care for your elderly father after work.

* You accept every project your boss hands to you, even when it means longer hours at the office.

* You feel a nagging anxiety or tension, but you're not quite able to put your finger on what's causing it.

Do you feel guilty if you're not doing absolutely everything you can do to help other people? Do you feel like an inadequate mother if you're not there, physically and emotionally, for your kids 100% every day (and night!)? Is this nonstop giving wearing you out?

I know several moms who actually do a lot of this for their families and others and don't go crazy. I think the key for these women is that they have some very specific mom self care techniques in place that allow them a chance to rejuvenate, be women first, and nurture themselves.

Mom self care is so important – we all know that. The tricky part is actually internalizing that notion and practicing good mom self care. Establishing good personal boundaries is vital.

What's that, you say? You don't have time to nurture yourself?

I understand.

But the fact of the matter is that you need to make time. You simply cannot be the best mom, wife, friend, daughter, and employee if you have not taken care of you first. And when you begin to feel unhappy and trapped by your selflessness, your discontent will ripple through the rest of your life as well.

And remember, you're not doing all this "giving" just so other people in your life will end up feeling bad because you're clearly exhausted and empty from giving so much! Emotional burn out is very common, especially for moms.

You can be a super mom. Just don't fall into the "super mom trap" that requires you to give until you're empty. If you haven't already discovered it for yourself, mom self care is a necessity for moms and their families. Read more about self care here. If you'd like to talk with me about assessing your super mom role and how to implement a self care routine, please contact me so we can chat!