Being a Mindful Mom 

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being REAL.

In a world that often glorifies the idea of the perfect mom, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and inadequate. It’s important to remember that perfection is an unrealistic standard. No one is perfect, and striving for perfection will lead to unnecessary stress and self-doubt. In today’s fast-paced world, where societal expectations and the pressure to be a perfect mom are ever-present, it’s important to remember that being a mindful mom is not about being perfect. It’s about being REAL.  

Motherhood is a beautiful journey filled with love, joy and countless precious moments. In those moments, we can be mindful and appreciate the joys. It is a journey with its fair share of challenges, doubts and struggles. In those moments, be mindful, lean in, look for the lessons and appreciate the growth. 

R — Resilient: Mindful moms are resilient, bouncing back from challenges and setbacks with strength and determination. They adapt to new situations and find creative solutions to problems.

E — Empathetic: Mindful moms practice empathy, understanding and connecting with their children’s emotions and experiences. They validate their children’s feelings and provide a safe space for emotional expression.

A — Authentic: Mindful moms embrace their authentic selves. They do not hide their imperfections but acknowledge and embrace them, creating an environment of authenticity.

L — Loving: Mindful moms express unconditional love toward their children by showing affection, support and care — creating a nurturing and loving environment for their children to grow and thrive.

By embodying these qualities, mindful moms can create a positive and nurturing environment for their children, fostering their emotional well-being and growth. Modeling mindfulness teaches our children to grow up with resilience.

Being a mindful mom means being present in the moment and fully engaging with your child. Putting aside distractions and giving your child your undivided attention. Sometimes, it means hearing their views and agreeing to disagree. It’s about listening to them, understanding their needs and responding with empathy and love.

Being a REAL mom means setting boundaries and saying no when necessary. Recognizing that you cannot do it all and that asking for help is OK. It means being honest with yourself and others about your limitations and needs.

Being a mindful mom means taking care of yourself. It is recognizing the importance of self-care and prioritizing your well-being. It is also understanding that you cannot pour from an empty cup and that taking care of yourself is essential for being able to take care of your child.

Being a REAL mom means embracing your imperfections and celebrating your strengths. Accepting that there will be good and bad days, and that is perfectly OK. Be kind to yourself and give yourself permission to make mistakes.

Being a mindful mom is about creating a loving and nurturing environment for your child. It’s about teaching them important values, such as empathy, compassion and resilience. It is fostering their independence and allowing them to make their own choices to learn from their own experiences.

Being a REAL mom is not about following the latest parenting trends or being like other moms. It’s about trusting your instincts and doing what feels right for you and your child. It’s about embracing your uniqueness and honoring your journey as a mother.

Contrary to popular belief, being a mindful mom does not mean having all the answers or always knowing what to do. It is about being open to learning and growing alongside your child, acknowledging and embracing your imperfections as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.

So, let go of the pressure to be perfect and embrace the beauty of being a REAL, mindful mom. Celebrate your strengths, learn from your mistakes and cherish precious moments with your child. Remember, it’s not about being perfect — it’s about being REAL. And in being REAL, you are creating a beautiful and authentic bond with your child that will last a lifetime.

Anthony Cupo is a trained mindfulness facilitator (TMF) from the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. He is a co-owner of Stepping Forward Counseling Center, LLC, and has been meditating for over 30 years.