Every day, I astound myself by finding new and creative ways to feel miserable as a mom. I’ve limited this list to just five, but I know you could add to it. There’s no “right” way to be a miserable mom, so don’t be discouraged if your misery looks different than mine.

Five ways to be a Miserable Mom:

1. Have unrealistically high expectations

Expect perfection from your husband, your house, your body, your kids, and yourself. Set the bar high. Grace is for the weak.

2. Never ask for help

You are the only one who can do this job. No one else can do it right. Plus, you’re imposing. Also, you only have two kids and that mom over there is juggling three.

3. Go to bed with a sink full of dirty dishes

Greet the morning with extra dread! Waking up to sticky counters and a pile of dirty dishes is just the kind of fresh start you need to start the day.

4. Tackle a long to-do list during your child’s nap time

Pay the bills, mop the floors, do your nails, fold the laundry, start prepping dinner, take a shower…. oh wait, is he awake already? But I just grabbed the mop!

5. Compare yourself to everyone else

Take note of that mom at the playground in the perfect outfit. Notice the perfectly behaved children at the grocery store. Casually inspect your neighbor’s clean floors. Wonder why you can’t pull yourself together.

What about you? What would you add to this list? Tell me in the comments below!

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