Good morning. 

As you know, raising successful children isn’t always easy. 

Many people have actually called “parenting” the toughest job in the world. 

But is it, really? 

Interestingly, a few weeks ago, a video was released with the title World’s Toughest Job. 

You may have already heard about it or seen the video  (it’s had almost 19 million views so far). 

It’s fun and heartfelt …and does a good job of describing the skills you’ll need for raising successful children. 

But the video also has 2 messages in it that can make motherhood more difficult for you than it needs to be. 

In today’s post, I would like to talk about the hidden messages … to help you let go of any extra guilt or stress you may be carrying around. 

What I’d like to do is make sure you 

Don’t Let #WorldsToughestJob Get You Down 

If you haven’t seen the video, you can watch it here. 

(Warning: spoiler alert – watch the video before continuing reading)

 

 

If you’ve seen this video, then you know its premise.  

People are attending a fake interview for a difficult job as “Director of Operations.”

The requirements are demanding …so demanding that many of the applicants wonder if it’s even possible to do the job.

What the “World’s Toughest Job” video does right

Now for the spoilers…

When all the applicants have said the job seems too difficult (especially since the salary is $0), the interviewer reveals that millions of people already do this job …Moms.

It’s a tender moment that makes people think of their own moms.

One of the women cries as she thanks her mom on camera.

This video does a great job at remembering our moms and their dedication.

But there’s one thing that you may not have noticed…

            the sneaky message that might make you feel awful 

According to the fake job interview, motherhood’s basic requirements include:

   * Standing up almost all the time

   * Constantly exerting yourself …moving, bending, and lifting

   * Working from 135 to unlimited hours per week (up to 24 hours per day, 7 days per week)

   * No vacations, no breaks

   * Not eating until the “associate” you’re taking care of is finished eating

   * Workload goes up on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and other holidays—must remain cheerful

   * No time to sleep

   * Salary = $0

Moms really do work long hours and miss sleep.

It’s a demanding experience!

But, in my opinion, this video goes too far in how much it glorifies imbalance.

No sleeping?

No breaks?

Ever?

When we believe that this is the model of what good mothers are (or should be), we celebrate an unhealthy pattern of excessive self-sacrifice.

Women who give up everything (including their identities) in order to be “good mothers” can become resentful, angry, or depressed.

Women who carve out a little time for their own interests and needs can even be made to feel guilty and selfish …because they don’t fit into the “good mother” mold.

Yes, mothers do give a lot and they always will.

But to honor them by saying that an ideal mother has to give up everything and never rest isn’t the proper message to send out.

As a mother, it doesn’t feel “honoring”.

Also, the video portrays an older version of motherhood …where mom is the most involved, active parent doing everything on her own.

Fortunately, this older model of parenting is fading out.

Dads are naturally feeling more drawn to being involved in the parenting role, lessening the burden on moms.

So …let’s thank the dads, too!

I’m grateful to Edward for all his support through the years.

He has played a very active role as a parent  –  it’s fair to say he got up more nights than I did when our kids were little.

How to have balance in your life

One of the best things you can do to be a successful mother is to take a break.

Do it for yourself.

Do it for your children.

It doesn’t have to be a long break, but take one.

Take a few minutes for yourself to do what you need to do to recharge as a parent.

You already have a tough job.

Don’t make it any tougher on yourself by believing that you have to ignore your own needs and wear yourself out.

It’s not good for you!

And it’s not good for your children!

Mothers who care for their own needs are actually better parents in the long run.

So take some time for yourself today.

Show your children what taking a little break looks like – they will be grateful that you did.

Raising successful children may not be the “toughest job in the world”, but it is the most rewarding!  🙂

 

P.S.  Just remember, moms …you are amazing  (and your children know it!) 

Enjoy the rest of your week …and have a Happy Mother’s Day!