It is something I learned as a single mom and something that I still have to remind myself of regularly. As a single mom, there were often times that I had to admit that as the only adult in the house, some things just weren't possible. It's not just a single parent problem though. I've got a partner here now and it's still impossible to do it all.
School started, but I am the mom (and professional photographer) that did not take first day of school pictures. I did not create cute pinterest worthy posters with clever depictions of the new school year info for each kid. I still haven't even finished getting all of the kids' school supplies and school started two weeks ago.
I could indulge in some real mom-guilt about this, but instead I'm just going to say: Sometimes Good is good enough.
I know, of course, that sometimes Good isn't good enough at all. Motherhood in and of itself often inspires me to try harder, to be better, to do more. It's admirable, except when it's not. And that is the thing about mothering - always the push and pull, give and take.
So here's my public confession: I am a really good mom, except when I'm not. Kind of like that girl who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forehead . . . When she was good, she was very very good; And when she was bad, she was horrid.
No first day of school pictures in oversized backpacks and pretty new dresses. I'm going to let that one go (Good is good enough). Though I really do regret missing the "Labeled Ziploc Bag with an Extra Change of Clothes" item on the school supply list for my sweet kindergartner who apparently inherited her mother's lack of bladder control during a good hard laugh, ahem. (Maybe a funny, "once in kindergarten . . ." story, or maybe fodder for later years of therapy. We'll see.)
Sally Hale says
I tucked this little edition of your blog away to read for a rainy day - and oh, my goodness, more than a whole year has passed! It's obviously very true however, that things come to you exactly when you need them. Last year, I didn't have a wee one at school. This year, I do. And on the first day of the new term after Christmas, your words, Allison, are exactly what I needed to hear. Many many thanks.