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30 Days of Truth: Day 3

The 30 Days of Truth writing prompts have been great so far. Are you playing along? You totally should! Some great posts have been written here and here, too.

Here is my Day 1 and Day 2.

Moving on...

Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.

I am a pretty forgiving person. I forgive other people easily, especially if they apologize for something they've done to me, as long as they are sincere. I don't have the time or the energy to hold major grudges, and there are very few people... actually... there is no one I really hate. No one has crushed me that badly yet, and although I've had my heart broken before, it was nothing that I wasn't able to get over.

As for myself, what can I forgive?

I forgive myself for not being a perfect mom.

Growing up, every single night, my family and I would sit around the dinner table, enjoying a home cooked meal. Dinner time was important, and we never missed an opportunity to sit together, eating the food my mother had cooked. Each day was something different, something traditional, something healthy.

Since I'm a full-time working mom, I'm not able to do this for my children. I pick up my children from either my parent's house or my in-law's house at 5 o'clock everyday, and they'll just be sitting down to eat. I join them, usually. And it makes me sad that from Monday to Friday, we don't really have a 'regular' dinner routine at our house.

I'm thankful that they're able to eat so well during the week. It's just sad that they'll never say: "Mom was the best cook!" Rather, they'll say: "Yiayia's cooking was the best!" On the weekends, usually my husband cooks, as I can be quite... dangerous in the kitchen. However, I try. Once a week, I put dinner on the table for my kids, and that's something.

I forgive myself for not providing what I always thought I would for my children, a home cooked meal every night of the week. I'm sure if I was a stay-at-home-mom, I would cook more often. Maybe in a few years, I'll be able to do that? For now, my boys are happy and well-fed, and I get to enjoy other things with them during the week, like our morning routines, bath time, reading, and bed time.

I'm sure they'll remember that as much as who put the food on the table, right?

Comments

Avitable said…
It's good that you're aware of your culinary limitations!
Stephanie said…
I don't think it matters who cooks, I think they will remember that you were there! All out babies really want is some time with us.
These 30 day posts are a great idea!
I have the same thing going on here. It's impossible these days to sit down together even if you are a SAHM I think. They will just remember what a good mom you are more than the food and that's what counts!
Jill said…
as a "single" mom this year ... i'm realizing that you can't even begin to beat yourself up for making the best decisions for your family - even if it may not be "the right" decision to someone else.

so you don't make a home cooked meal? plenty of working moms don't do that - nor do their kids get to eat with their grandparents each night - a LUXURY for many. scratch that, for most.

your kids won't even begin to remember who cooked the dinner. all they'll remember is that they ate with family - and frankly, i think that's far more important.
Lady Mama said…
Don't worry about the cooking. They're eating good food, which is important, and you're a fantastic mom in so many other ways. No one's perfect!
Yes, it is the memories, talks and laughter that counts!
I think you're a pretty fantastic mom!! And I am sure they think the exact same, except for when they don't get what they want :)
I love these 30 days posts! And I think you sound like an amazing, loving, mother. That's what your kids will remember! It's not necessarily the physical things you give your kids, I think, but the emotional. You are so there for them! That's what's important!!s
Mom2Miles said…
I'm an at-home mom & I don't provide my family with a home-cooked meal every night! If I can do 3 nights, it's a good week.

Plus, I think family dinners are overrated. Lots of people can't manage them. We rarely do since my husband works late, but we have plenty of other quality family time. Weekend breakfasts are the new family dinner!
Faiqa said…
This is a good one, and one we all need to remember. Also, being on the other side as a stay at home mom, I always think about what a great example my mom set for me as an ambitious overachiever and get a little scared my kids won't respect me as much as I respected my mom. I guess we can't win either way. It's best just not engage the game (of trying to be perfect), at all, I think.
I have pretty much forgiven myself for not being a perfect mom too. There are things I wish I had time to do, but there aren't enough hours in the day!