Working Mom Survivial Guide: The Good Enough Mom

The term "good enough mom" was coined by Dr. D. W. Winnicott, a british pediatrician, sociologist, and psychoanalyst. Basically its the anti "supermom and slacker mom".  He states "the key role of the good enough  mother is to adapt to her baby, which gives him a sense of control and the comfort of being connected."


The term continues on by thinking most moms already have everything that their kids need inside themselves and uses those mom instincts in order to take care of their child.  Good enough  moms "use their own best judgment, is available to their child, learns from their mistakes, and loves their child."


Seems pretty simple right? If we could all be able to keep our expectations realistic and not sweat the small stuff then you too could be just the right kind of mom your child needs. 


Choosing your kids over house work will not cause the collapse of an empire but may make some pretty stellar memories for your child.  No one is perfect but we all are good enough.


I can tell you the following:
My dishes are rarely done every day
I have dust in my house
I have projects half finished
Scrapbooks/photo albums that need completed
Clutter on the counter top
Toys scattered everywhere


And you know what? If you don't like it then don't come over :-)




A quote from the survival guide states "  Remember that your children grow up fast. Fifty years from now it won't matter how much money you had or how clean your houses was, but your children will remember you for the kind of person you were and for how deeply you loved your family."