If we are made in God’s perfect image, then each of us is a version of perfect. The world’s definition is not the one we need to worry about. This is my description of the perfect mom considering the reality of life as a stay-at-home mom.
We each are perfect for our children and our families because of our strengths, weaknesses and lessons we will teach with both. I think your version of the “perfect” mom is defined by more than clean houses and delicious meals. It is defined by love, and that is always perfect.
1.) A perfect mom knows that some days you do not get a shower, but she just applies more deodorant or perfume.
2.) A perfect mom may have a house straight out of a magazine OR maybe you caught her on a “good” day.
3.) A perfect mom knows parenting is hard, so she does not buy in to quick fixes or short-term solutions to her parenting challenges.
4.) A perfect mom wants to teach her children from her own life experiences, and sticks to it, even if today put those lessons a few steps back.
5.) A perfect mom is a woman who will not give up on her children.
6.) A perfect mom is someone who has failures and flaws and knows she does not want her children to mimic them (if they really are that bad). She knows that her children will make their own mistakes, but she will still teach right from wrong in her house.
7.) A perfect mom is someone who will not turn away from her responsibilities as mom no matter how difficult the day or behaviors shown…from her or her children!
8.) A perfect mom goes to bed at night exhausted from the challenges of raising her children all day, but still knows she will be ready to tackle it all the next day or will at least do her best to act like it.
9.) A perfect mom is a woman who knows her role is about giving-giving lessons, giving love, giving constructive criticism, giving security.
10) A perfect mom knows that what she will receive is the comfort and peace knowing that she gave all she had for the ones she loved…no matter what anyone else thinks about how she did it.
Perfect is not interpreted the same way by all people.
The Biblical definitions of “perfect” are: holy, merciful, complete, entire, wanting nothing…in Christ Jesus (KJV). So I gather that if you are a Christian, your definition should align with this.
I try to keep my mind focused on this path to perfection, not the idea that “perfection” involves a Vogue magazine, an episode of Biggest Loser, and a weekly manicure.
The REAL, TRUE definition of perfect is living like Jesus. I keep looking for ways to do that in my life, and goodness knows, I give a lot of what I have to my family, so I am serving in the arena that is most needing my focus at this stage of my life.
What would you add to the “perfect mom” list?
This article is featured in A Complete Guide for Stay-at-Home Moms: Resources for Personal Growth. Check out all of the ways you can grow as a woman in this season of life HERE.
Jaimi you really nailed it with this list! Number 1 is so me with two under 2 at home. And number 6 is where I'm at right now! We are imperfect people who are made perfect through Christ!
I had to read this when I read #1! I thought Oh my goodness, she understands! I just happened to find your blog and I am so thankful! I love your posts! Thanks so much for all the tips and advice! I just became a SAHM this year and I have been struggling. I plan on visiting your blog daily 😉
Barbara, I am so glad you found this! I appreciate your comment, and, yes, I can relate to feeling overwhelmed at times in this job. I think with time it gets easier-the more time we spend on something that challenges us the better we get! I am glad to hear that you will be visiting again. I always share what I struggle with and what motivates me out of those low moments. We just have to let the joyful times outweigh the difficult ones. Keep your head up! You are doing great things for your family. Take care!!
I want to be a stay at home mom, but am currently unable to with student loans. My husband and I found out in March that we are going to be having our first baby. I would love your support and prayers in order to transition to working from home in order to be with my baby.
Hi Alicia, First off, I want to say that if you have to work to maintain financial stability for your family, there is nothing wrong with that! Sometimes life-circumstances prevent us from choosing what we want to do, and that means we have to do what we can with what we need to do. I will absolutely keep you in my prayers and hope that you will be open to following God's plan for your life and your motherhood. There are work-at-home options, but really look at your household budget too. Look at what can be cut or if working part time (evenings, or weekends) could be enough additional income to help keep your child home with you and the bills paid. My mom was a working mom and a stay-at-home mom, but she worked night shift part time while we were young, and so we had her home even if she needed to catch a nap or keep our days low-key when she had just worked the night before. She managed to do it and now she just retired early! There are options out there and it won't all be easy or what we want. You will be doing what you need to do for your family, and maybe down the road when the finances adjust, then you can stay home. Focus on the needs first. I will be thinking of you! Don't hesitate to post here or email if you have more concerns: jaimierickson{at}gmail{dot}com.
Celebrate Motherhood: They Call Me Momma - […] work we do is challenging, exciting, exhausting, and rewarding. The good of the good days is what I try to focus…
Hi there! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. My name is Jaimi, and I am a mom who loves to encourage other mothers in the season of raising children, making a home, and staying focused on the end goals of motherhood.
Jaimi you really nailed it with this list! Number 1 is so me with two under 2 at home. And number 6 is where I'm at right now! We are imperfect people who are made perfect through Christ!
I had to read this when I read #1! I thought Oh my goodness, she understands! I just happened to find your blog and I am so thankful! I love your posts! Thanks so much for all the tips and advice! I just became a SAHM this year and I have been struggling. I plan on visiting your blog daily 😉
Barbara, I am so glad you found this! I appreciate your comment, and, yes, I can relate to feeling overwhelmed at times in this job. I think with time it gets easier-the more time we spend on something that challenges us the better we get! I am glad to hear that you will be visiting again. I always share what I struggle with and what motivates me out of those low moments. We just have to let the joyful times outweigh the difficult ones. Keep your head up! You are doing great things for your family. Take care!!
I want to be a stay at home mom, but am currently unable to with student loans. My husband and I found out in March that we are going to be having our first baby. I would love your support and prayers in order to transition to working from home in order to be with my baby.
Hi Alicia, First off, I want to say that if you have to work to maintain financial stability for your family, there is nothing wrong with that! Sometimes life-circumstances prevent us from choosing what we want to do, and that means we have to do what we can with what we need to do. I will absolutely keep you in my prayers and hope that you will be open to following God's plan for your life and your motherhood. There are work-at-home options, but really look at your household budget too. Look at what can be cut or if working part time (evenings, or weekends) could be enough additional income to help keep your child home with you and the bills paid. My mom was a working mom and a stay-at-home mom, but she worked night shift part time while we were young, and so we had her home even if she needed to catch a nap or keep our days low-key when she had just worked the night before. She managed to do it and now she just retired early! There are options out there and it won't all be easy or what we want. You will be doing what you need to do for your family, and maybe down the road when the finances adjust, then you can stay home. Focus on the needs first. I will be thinking of you! Don't hesitate to post here or email if you have more concerns: jaimierickson{at}gmail{dot}com.