Fear of Not Being Enough

Do you ever feel like you aren’t a “good enough” mom? Many mothers carry an idealized vision of motherhood. They imagine being endlessly patient, never feeling frustrated, and always having the emotional presence for our kids. But real life looks different. Sleep deprivation, stress, past traumas, all can cloud our ability to live up to these standards. You might feel guilt or grief over the version of yourself you imagined you’d be.

What if we gave ourselves more grace in these moments? What if we were as patient and compassionate with ourselves as we want to be with our children? When we inevitably make mistakes, a gentle apology and warm hug can be powerful to kids! It teaches our children that mistakes are a natural part of life and that relationships can withstand them. By allowing ourselves to be human, we give our children permission to be human too.

Redefining what it means to be “enough” in motherhood can be freeing. It doesn’t require endless patience, never raising our voices, or meeting every need flawlessly. Instead, it’s about showing up, even when we’re tired. It’s about trying our best, even when we’re not at our best. It’s about apologizing, repairing, and loving through the messiness. When we model resilience, honesty, and self-compassion, we show our children what it means to be enough.

So, when that inner critic whispers, “You’re not enough,” take a deep breath. Remember that your children don’t need perfection; they need your presence, your warmth, and your effort. They need to see you’re willing to try again, to repair, and to love unconditionally. That is more than enough.

If you’re struggling with feelings of inadequacy as a parent or in your relationships, I promise you are not alone here. I’d love to support you through this and guide you towards a different and more empowering way of viewing yourself.

With warmth,
Laura