There’s this idea that some moms “have it all together.” You know, the type that is always on time, has permission slips signed and has balanced meals prepped. Maybe some people even think I’m that mom.
But here’s the truth – none of us really have it all together. We’re all doing our best while juggling a million invisible tasks and sometimes dropping the ball anyway.
Take last night, for example. I woke up at 2:30 a.m. with that familiar middle-of-the-night mom instinct: Did the Tooth Fairy come?
Mind you, I had already delegated this one to my husband. We agreed it was his job to make sure the Tooth Fairy handled her business. He said he had it covered. But still, my brain didn’t get the memo. While my husband slept soundly (blissfully unaware), I was wide awake, weighing my options.
- Wake him up and ask? Risk an annoyed, groggy, half-coherent answer?
- Sneak into my son’s room and do a stealth pillow check like a ninja?
- Trust that it was handled and go back to sleep?
Let me be honest, that last one was hard. Even though my son is ten (and most likely wants the cash), part of me still wants to keep the magic alive. What if he still believes just a little?
But I stayed in bed. I let it go. I’m working on trusting others, releasing the need to control every detail, and reminding myself that if the Tooth Fairy forgets one night, the world won’t end. And even if it does, I’ll handle it like always.
This is the kind of thing that happens all the time with moms. We take it all on. All the things, all the time.
- Is there milk in the fridge for breakfast?
- Did I sign the permission slip?
- Did I pack lunch?
And somehow, my brain seems to deliver those reminders exclusively at 2:00 a.m.
So, how am I managing this? Like I said, I’m starting to delegate. My husband is more than happy to take on tasks when I ask. (Tooth Fairy duties included.) But the real game-changer has been learning to let go of perfection.
I’ve also been working on this in my business, letting go of the pressure to do everything flawlessly. Let me tell you, it’s been a relief. So why not apply the same mindset to motherhood?
If we don’t make a change, the mental load of motherhood will have us losing sleep at night—literally. To all the moms out there, know this: you’re not alone, and perfection isn’t the goal. You’re doing your best. That’s more than enough.
So, the next time you doubt yourself (and I can promise there will be a next time and a time after that) or start spiraling at 2 a.m. because something might have been forgotten, take a deep breath and ask yourself: Do my children know I love them?
If the answer is yes—you’re all good.
That’s what matters, right? They know that we would go above and beyond for them every time, even if sometimes it’s a little haphazard. It all comes from love.
And in case you were wondering, the Tooth Fairy did come, but she forgot to take the tooth! My son thinks there is a glitch in the system and wants to see if he can get more money tonight.
