The 9 Secrets To A Happy Mom Life

Have you ever noticed a happy mom? You know who I’m talking about. The one who seem to be very content and confident in their role as Mother?

How about moms (like me) who seem chronically stressed and approaching burnout?

Why are some moms calm, cool, collected and able to keep their sense of humor while other moms struggle with the slightest stressors in their day?

And the million-dollar question…how the heck do they do it? Well, I think I found the secret to a happy mom life. Read on to learn more!

The Road To A Happy Mom Life

My friends and I have been together for many years. Three of my friends had kids later in life so I’ve been able to see them handle toddler life and balance their career and family from another point of view.

While we’re sitting around talking about life, I have also observed their approach on motherhood and life. And I think that might be the reason why they are living a happy mom life.

I learned that while they are different, these women usually have several of the following traits in common.

1) They Keep It Simple

I know one Mom who grocery shops every two weeks and buys the exact same thing every time to prepare the same menu of 14 dinners. Why does she do this? She’s picked the family’s favorite meals for her menu to save herself time and arguments at the dinner table.

Anyone with kids knows they like to eat the same things over and over! This Mom has decided not to reinvent the wheel twice a month. This is just one example of keeping it simple.

2) They Teach Their Kids To Be Independent

This doesn’t mean they leave them to their own devices all day. But a mom knows that a 2-year old can put a dish in the dishwasher. A 4-year old can prepare his own peanut butter and jelly sandwich. And a 7-year old can sweep a floor (albeit imperfectly!).  Just call it “outsourcing” for moms.

3) They Drop The SuperMom Complex

Not sweating the small stuff seems to be a common trait of happy moms. They learn to pick their battles. Getting buckled into a car seat? Not negotiable. Pink paisley pants with the orange plaid shirt? Fashion creativity.

A happy mom also realizes that being an awesome mom doesn’t mean being a perfect mom. ‘Nuff said!

4) They Can Often Be Overheard Repeating The Phrase “This Too Shall Pass”

It doesn’t mean that bothersome behavior in kids should be overlooked. It means that moms realize that children are…well, uncivilized cute, little creatures and that much unruly behavior will simply go away on its own as the child grows.

Moms are also keenly aware of their child’s development and don’t expect more of them than they are able to give.

5) Smart Moms Take Care Of Themselves

They don’t blame the baby for their extra weight when the baby in question is potty trained! 😊

These moms put emphasis on good nutrition like avoiding too much caffeine. They also get adequate rest, and daily exercise. And they realize that you can’t pour from an empty bucket.

6) They Live In The Moment

Happy Moms realize that the days are long but the years short. It’s not that they are impervious to stress, it’s that they have learned to lower their expectations and be in the moment when things get difficult.

When your toddler is puking all over the house, this is not the time to reorganize the hall closet. A sick day then turns into a time to create sweet memories of hours spent reading and cuddling on the couch.

7) They Don’t Worry About What Others Think

Whether it’s the disapproving glare from someone in the checkout line, the mother-in-law who is convinced you’re starving the baby by breastfeeding. Or the Pediatrician whose medical advice strays into parenting advice. A happy mom learns not to give too much weight to the opinions of those who don’t live in their home.

8) They Trust Their Instincts

Moms know that they are the expert of their own children. So if taking the baby to bed with them will help them (and her) get more sleep, mom always knows best!

9) Happy Moms Have “Something Else”

It may be a part time home-based business or a hobby like spin class. These Moms know that someday their babies will fly the coop. And they make sure they have a passion that will give them purpose when that day comes.

Wrapping It Up For The Happy Mom

Who knows, maybe these women live by the mantra “fake it ‘til you make it” and behind the scenes they are secretly eating raw cookie dough to calm their nerves. We will never know!

But, for the sake of getting some of that happy mom life, I think it’s worth doing these things. Don’t you?