They don’t tell you about the guilt

 They don’t tell you about the guilt.

How it shows up no matter what you do.

When you work, it whispers that you’re missing too much.
When you stay home, it tells you you’re not contributing enough.

It’s there when you give them screen time so you can catch your breath.
When you choose cleaning the kitchen over sitting on the floor and playing.
When you make mac and cheese again because they won’t eat anything else.

It’s there after you lose your patience and raise your voice.
After you finally take a night for yourself.
After you ask for help because you can’t do it alone.

It follows you when you compare yourself to other moms online.
When you look at your kids and wonder if you’re doing enough to shape who they’re becoming.
When you notice one child getting more of your attention than the other.

It’s in the moments you don’t enjoy, even though everyone says you should “cherish every second.”
It’s in the decisions you made years ago that you still replay in your mind.

And the worst part?
It’s relentless.

But here’s the truth I’m learning
You will never make every perfect choice.
You will never meet every made-up standard.
And your kids don’t need you to.

They don’t need a mom who gets it all right.
They just need you.

And you exactly as you are is enough.