As moms, we all have those good days and those tough days. Some mornings, we wake up already feeling the weight on our shoulders, knowing it might be a long day. Other times, we start the day with a happy heart, believing it’s going to be great—and sometimes it is! But there are also those days when everything feels like it’s going well, only for it to take a turn later on.

Let’s be real for a moment…

Lately, we’ve had more than our share of tough days with one of our kids. There are days when it feels overwhelming, and I find myself frustrated, angry, or just plain exhausted. Yes I shed a lot of tears. But over time, I’ve learned a few things that help me get through those tough moments.

First, I remind myself that my child might be struggling with something they can’t quite express. Kids often have a hard time putting their feelings into words—and honestly, I get that, because I don’t always know how to express my own emotions either.

When I’m not being the best version of myself, I work hard to shift my mindset. When those thoughts of “I’m failing as a mom” creep in, I stop and remind myself of what I’ve done right, and the moments that went well.

I also think about what my child needs from me to get through their tough day. Sometimes it’s a hug, sometimes they need a little help, and other times they just need some one-on-one time.

Then there are days when, by dinner time, I’m completely drained. It’s on those days that I’m especially thankful for the routines we’ve put in place. They make things like dinner time a bit easier, even when the day has been hard.

So I want to encourage you, mom…

Even on the tough days, try to find the positive moments with your kiddos. I like to look for the ways God shows up throughout the day. Our kids really just want more of us—more hugs, more help, more time. They need to know that we’re there for them, no matter what.

Instead of calling them “bad days,” I’ve started calling them “tough days.” Because they aren’t truly bad days, just a little harder than others. And when you look closely, the positives often outweigh the tough parts.

So on your next tough day, take a moment to think of all the positives and see how God showed up for you.

Love 💕

Billie-Jo