Remember The Donna Reed Show? If not, turn on the oldies for the afternoon. 🙂
The Donna Reed Show epitomized the super-mom. Yes, she did it all, and was the perfect role model for women of that era.
What most people do not know is that Donna Reed was executive producer of the show, and was heavily involved in the show’s immense popularity. This was at a time when women were subjugated to one particular role. Subsequently, the emancipation of women brought them within equal status of the “dominant” male. With a nine to five job; children to care for; and either a single parent or not; moms today are expected to do it all. Thus, the “Super-mom Syndrome” was born; but at what price?
Let’s face it, no one can do it all. This is a big myth. We need to take captive and reveal its lies and deceit.
Trying to do it all has ramifications.
We cannot do it all without experiencing the suffering and stress related conditions adherent to the every day demands placed upon them. Not to mention the costs on the family–so many homes filled with everything but close relationships.
Suffice to say, many moms have tried; some have been successful, while others have been immeasurably consumed by its consequences. The “Super-mom Syndrome” is exacting a very heavy toll on their home life, business, and physical well-being.
Thirty years ago, the top TV shows were exclusively focused on the housewife–the mom. Conversely, the shows today highlight single working moms who effortlessly juggle all of the demands placed upon them with flair and ease. Yes, they sometimes showcase the conflict; but quite frankly, the hype is more conducive to ratings than to real life situations.
The “Super Mom Syndrome” has produced a “Type A” personality, which has contributed to the imbalance and unrealistic expectations imposed by moms who think they can do it all today; but soon realize perfectionism can never outweigh the happiness and fulfillment of simply being a mom, without all of the peripheral trappings.
There is no need to suffer any longer. We can let the trappings of the world go on without us and stay clear from its trap!
But, how?
First, find a balance and strive to stay balanced. Prioritize that which is most important–your husband and children come first. These days go by too fast. Children are little only for a little while. They will eventually grow up, leaving you with the inconsolable desire to retrieve their childhood years. You don’t get these days back. You will have many, many more years ahead to do the “rest” of the things that are alluring you during these years.
Watch out for the stuff! Resist the temptation to totally immerse yourself in one area during these years. I am not saying that you cannot do anything during these years–I did. But, be on guard! Limit outside involvements whether ministry, service, business, or social. Set up very firm boundaries. Remember that each commitment costs you. The costs add up over the days, weeks, and years. Be picky about what you do with your time. Make each day count.
Say goodbye to “Super-mom” today! Don’t even try to be “Super-mom” when you can be a super mom. Everything has a season. We cannot do it all in ONE season. We need to get a vision for the life of a godly woman. Looking at Proverbs 31 can overwhelm us, but it is a glimpse at the typical LIFE of a godly woman, not the typical DAY of a godly woman. Get a vision beyond today. Tomorrow is coming when the children are grown and gone into the world. These days that are intense with demands will slow down to a spooky quiet that can then be filled with wonderful opportunities that today can be put off for another day. Say goodbye to those opportunities for today.
Sweet friend, enjoy being a wife and mother. Cherish your family. Enjoy them today. You are the heart of the home. You don’t need to be perfect. You can take off the “Super-mom” cape. Decide today to be a mom.
Need more help? Don’t miss our Training Sons, Training Daughters Virtual Seminar this week! https://talk-a-latte.com/tstd.html
