These past few months I feel like a bit of a broken record. It’s not intentional, but it’s interesting how the story always goes the same. I have several friends – none who know the other – that have shared with me how they are feeling guilty for saying “no” to others. Like the school association asking one to volunteer as treasurer (again), an after-school club asking one to volunteer as a leader/coach even though her child is no longer in the activity. And let’s not even start talking about mothers and mothers-in-law. The common theme in all these scenarios is that mom are maxed out, yet feel tremendous guilt when they can’t do it all – or don’t want to do it all.
And I, being the salty chick I am, have been responding to each of my friends with a common piece of advice. Say no. When your children are little, when you’re balancing work and home, when your gut is telling you where you need to be – say no. There will be many opportunities to say yes later, to add an impressive list of extras to your resume, or to shine as the daughter-in-law of the year. But know your limits. Embrace the limits. They don’t define you or your potential.
Check out this video as part of the #EndMomGuilt campaign from Marie Callender’s (I shared the first one in this series here):
A study* done by ConAgra Foods Canada showed that while 7⁄10 moms wish they could spend LESS time preparing meals, 94% of moms agree they want to give their kids the highest quality meals possible and more than 3⁄4 see the food they give kids as an expression of their love and affection for them.
I get that. We want to provide the best food and nutrition for our kids and feel like a meal that isn’t instagram-brag worthy doesn’t make the cut. The fact is, being there for our kids and providing nourishment is in our bones as moms, and there are certainly ways to ease that mom guilt and help give moms a break.
I’ve found some pretty tasty options in the frozen food aisle and when paired with a garden salad or side dish like garlic bread or veggies, I’ve got a meal on the table in no time (and if I’m lucky, less dishes to do too!) Marie Callender’s is helping show moms that it’s easy to serve high quality meals and free up time for their family, without having to compromise on their desire to do what’s best for them.
Recently, we checked out some savoury frozen entrées from Marie Callender’s made with wholesome, quality ingredients—that are perfect for busy families! Our favorite was the Three Meat Lasagna above!
I served it with a salad for a super-quick meal last week in-between piano lessons and meet-the-teacher night at school! It was definitely a mom-saver on a night when I likely would have hit the drive-through instead.
Prepared in the microwave or oven, Marie Callender’s frozen entrées provide a delicious homemade taste in just 15 minutes. The full list of varieties to look for is:
• Three Meat Lasagna
• Chicken Lasagna
• Creamy Chicken Alfredo
• Scalloped Potatoes in a Creamy Cheese Sauce with Ham
• Creamy White Mac
• Hearty Three-Meat Marinara
The new ConAgra Foods survey of 1,000 moms uncovered another startling statistic: Nearly 3 out of 5 (58%) moms feel guilty about not spending enough quality time with her family, and wish they felt less guilty as a mom. Isn’t that ironic? We feel guilty but wish we felt less guilty as a mom!
It’s time for the Mom Guilt to stop. YOU, mom, are awesome. Your kids think you’re awesome. And they’re watching you. Release that stupid, irritating, and non-helping mom-guilt and embrace being a mom. If we can survive no car-seats, no bike-helmets and navigating neighborhoods with only the street-lights as our come-home signal, our kids are flourishing with our parenting in 2016. You got this.
I definitely suffer from Mom guilt. I too said my kids will listen and eat all fresh vegetables and so on, but it’s like pulling teeth to get them to. I usually hide pureed vegetables in mashed potatoes and I got my two boys into drinking smoothies loaded with fresh fruit and veggies, seeds. But life can get really busy and there are times when I just go through the drive thru.. I am definitely going to check the store for Marie Callender’s frozen entrees, they look like something my children would just love. Thanks for your post 🙂
Very important to learn to say no. I am a believer that you are not your child’s best friend – you are their parent. Very different things, but it doesn’t mean you can’t respect, love and get along with each other.
I remember putting my oldest in daycare temporarily for 4 months when she was 20 months old. As we turned the final corner to the building she would wail in her back seat “Oh noooo!”. I felt like the worst mother. The wonderful woman taking care of my child told me that she would be playing with the other children before I left the driveway and not to worry that I was causing irreparable damage to my child. After I left I waited outside for a couple of minutes and then peaked in through the window. Sure enough she was having a blast. They can play us so easily.
My mom always felt guilt, even though I said how silly that was. Even children recognize hard work. She was and still is an awesome mom!
everyone has Mom guilt, I figure take and use whats useful and chuck the rest 🙂
Won’t be a time when guilt doesn’t wiggle it’s way in. The lasagna looks homemade!
Definitely suffer from mom guilt. We need to support each other!
I don’t have kids so luckily I only have to feed myself but I sometimes pop a frozen lasagne in the oven when I’m busy or tired. As long as I have a salad with it I don’t feel guilty!
Lots of mom guilt too when they did things wrong or never ate their veggies..all my fault…actually thinking back it was terrible at times.
I love this!! sometimes I suffer from mom guilt…not as much as I used to! Hey I aint perfect and no other mom is. we all have our moments and instead of me trying to be that perfect mom, I just want to be the best mom I can be for my girls. btw … that lasagne looks AMAZING
I have been trying to work on my Mom guilt but it is an ongoing thing. It’s a hard habit to break.
I think Mom guilt is a process of getting rid of, time and maturity.
We feel guilty for many reasons but it’s also hard if we want to get all the nice things for our kids then we have to work extra hours too.Sometimes we are just stuck between a rock and a hard place.All we can do is try.
Great post – and the dishes sound amazing!
I think it’s in a woman’s DNA to feel guilt about something and everything when it pertains to kids
This is a great message. It is amazing when you feel like you finally have the permission or guts to just say NO 🙂
Great post and even though it can be hard it is good to stop having Mom Guilt especially when dealing with meals, they don’t all have to be perfect and homemade. Mom’s need a break too. Will have to check out the Marie Callender’s frozen entrées.
I have mom guilt weekly. So many things going on with preschool, parent council boards etc.
A nurse told me when my girls were little to look at what they eat over a week duration, not just one night. They will get all the nutrition they need over the week so don’t fret over one night of fast food or nachos for dinner. Gave me such piece of mind and my two grown girls are fantastic, healthy and amazing!
Mom guilt can feel terrible
As Steve Jobs said on the topic of ‘no’, “Innovation is saying “no” to 1,000 things.”
I for sure have mom guilt!! About everything not just meal time!
“mom guilt” the struggle is real!
I like cooking and am not really up on the whole “mom guilt thing”, but life has been really busy lately and I could use some easy food.
I’m so over mom guilt!! My kids are happy, healthy but not perfect and that’s OKAY! Yay for taking back my mom pride. 🙂
This was a great video, I think we all suffer from mom guilt . I know I do.
I like the theme of this – ending mom guilt. It’s easy to feel like we are not doing enough for our kids, especially related to food. Good to bring awareness to this…
I use to be like that..to the point where I was literally drained!!
Of course when came I time when I needed help..no one was able to help and I realized that I had to learn how to say NO and not feel guilty!
It is hard to say no when I am asked to volunteer for school functions. I have burned myself out many times. I try now to say I will get back to you and think about it before replying.
mom guilt kicked in as soon as school started for my girl. I’ve been out of this loop for so long with my boy being an older teen and self sufficient , getting back into this routine is certainly an adjustment!
Moms suffer from Mom guilt all the way through their lives… even when our children are grown up and are mothers themselves.
I have mom guilt, but I find the problem is if you say “yes” for a while people keep coming back to you for the same answer.
Unfortunately, I too suffer from mom guilt. Whether it be regarding the food that they eat, attending all of their stuff (even if conflicts) etc. I think social media and the pressure to be the “perfect mother” definitely doesn’t help.
I think having mom guilt is completely normal. We love our children and want to give them everything we possibly can. But saying no is important because we don’t want them to grow up to be self entitled jerks. There are too many of those in the world!!! lol, we are not their friends…we are their parents and part of that is putting boundaries and making them accountable. I have mom guilt but I love them and that’s normal when you love them!!! Being a parent is hard work….so great job everybody :). We all need to support eachother and not critisize because we are all doing our best
I think when you start to realize you aren’t superhuman and cannot do it all (and the people who post nothing but sunshine and roses on social media are sugar coating reality) you can become a happier person.. The guilt of not being able to do it all is real, but it’s very much put on ourselves too
You know what’s awesome? My 8 year old son has seen the #Endmomguilt adds on youtube and calls me over to show me the add. (He loves watching it!) And It gives me an opportunity to talk openly with him about it too – which is so cool!
i have a hard time agreeing with saying no. i get it we are all busy but someone has to do all this stuff. stay at home moms say they are too busy, working moms to busy, teachers too busy but the fact is these activities need volunteers. i actually think everyone should be required to sign up for at least one position in at least one of their kids activities every year. guilt or not. because not only does it give you perspective on what it takes for these things to operate and run for your children, it also lightens the load so none has to feel trapped or guilty.
I definitely relate to this feeling, especially around preparing and serving meals. I need to let up on myself!
I definitely suffer from Mom Guilt about so many different things but I have learned that I am their parent first and foremost