Looking for mom mindset shifts that actually work? This post has you covered and will help you bring more peace and joy to your day.

Let’s be real — Mommin’ every day is hard work! Diapers, tantrums, and a house that looks like a tornado hit… and that’s all before noon. But what if the key to surviving (and actually enjoying) this season isn’t in doing more, but thinking differently?

Becoming a mom is so much fun, but it also comes with its challenges. And it’s easy to get stuck in a rut of negative thinking when things start to get hard. But if we start to correct those habits of negative thinking and focus on the good and amazing things that are in our lives, it changes our perspective. 

Shifting our mindset is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and our kids! 

In this post, we’ll explore seven positive mom mindset shifts that I hope will help you embrace the wild ride of motherhood and become the positive, happy mom you want to be!

Introduction

As I sit down to write this post, I was really hoping for a few quiet moments to think. Ha!  I’ve had 17,876 interruptions from my toddler, the baby woke up halfway through her nap, now someone’s at the door, my toddler needs another snack. I realized my wishful expectations aren’t going to happen today. And that’s ok! 

I know how easy it is to get caught up in the day-to-day busyness and lose sight of the joy. And it might feel like you’ve been in the trenches for a long time. 

But I want to encourage you that there is a way to find peace and happiness again, even in the busyness and in the mess. It all starts with your mindset.

This isn’t about becoming a ‘perfect’ mom (because that doesn’t exist). It’s about shifting your perspective so you can enjoy the moments, embrace the imperfections, and find more joy in your day.

This post is all about helping you do just that. We’re going to go through seven positive mindset shifts that can help you transform your experience of being a mom. These aren’t quick fixes, but ways to reframe your thoughts and how you approach being a mom.

We’ll go through:

• Why your mindset is so important as a mom.
• Seven actionable shifts you can start making today.
• Tips for maintaining these shifts, fostering gratitude over the long haul.

Are you ready? Ok, let’s get started!

Why a Healthy Mom Mindset Matters

Being a mom is tough work. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily rhythm of laundry, meals, and all the meltdowns. But I want to encourage you: your mindset is everything. It can be the difference between finding joy in parenting and feeling like you’re drowning.

A positive mom mindset can really change the whole game. It’s not about ignoring the hard stuff, but your perspective on how you choose to see it. It’s about embracing motherhood challenges and finding the silver linings, even when it seems to be buried under a mountain of laundry. And for my stay-at-home mamas, this is especially important.

Your mindset is your secret weapon (besides Jesus and coffee, of course). It’s what helps you stay calm when your toddler decides to paint the walls with markers, or when your baby still isn’t sleeping through the night. It’s what keeps you going when you’re exhausted and feel like you have nothing left to give.

Here’s why it’s so important:

• It affects your stress levels. A good mindset can help you manage stress and prevent burnout.
• It influences your relationships. When you’re positive, you’re more likely to have healthy, happy relationships with your kids and husband.
• It sets the tone for your family. Your kids pick up on your attitude, so a positive mindset can create a more positive home environment.

7 Powerful Mom Mindset Shifts

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It’s all about tweaking how you see things. Shift your perspective, and you’ll find yourself feeling less stressed and more connected to your kids. It’s not about becoming the “best mom,” it’s about being a good mom who’s happy and present.

Remember, these shifts aren’t about overnight transformations. It’s about making small, consistent changes in how you think. 

Quick breakdown:

• Focus on progress, not perfection.
• Embrace gratitude daily.
• Remember, self-care is a must, not a maybe.
• Ask for help – and accept it when it’s offered.
• Let your kids be kids
• Learn the power of saying “no.”
• Cherish the everyday moments

These mindset shifts can lead to transformative experiences for you and your kids. 

Shift #1. Progress > Perfection

I know what it feels like to have the pressure to be perfect, so if you’ve been feeling that way, I get it. Social media is full of seemingly flawless moms with spotless houses and kids who never spill Cheerios on the floor.

But that’s not reality, and no one is perfect. So let’s forget about the idea of perfection and embrace progress instead. It’s way more achievable, and honestly, way more fun!

Think about it this way:

• A sink full of dishes doesn’t mean you’re falling behind. It means you had a good meal or two.
• A fussy, teething toddler? She’s healthy and developing like she should.
• A messy playroom shows that your kids are happy, playing, and using their imaginations.
• A slightly burnt dinner? Oh well, at least you tried! Maybe you got sushi instead? 

Focus on the small wins. Did you manage to get everyone dressed and out the door on time? Awesome! Did you read a short book to your kid? That counts! It’s about celebrating those little victories and acknowledging that you’re doing your best, even when things aren’t going perfectly.

Remember, self-care is so important to maintaining a healthy mindset.

Trying to be perfect all the time is exhausting and sets you up for disappointment. Aiming for progress allows you to be kind to yourself, learn from your mistakes, and actually enjoy being a mom. It’s about growth, not perfection.

So, let’s all agree to give ourselves a break and focus on making progress, one messy, beautiful step at a time. You’ve got this!

Shift #2. Practice Gratitude

At some point, we all can find ourselves focusing on what we don’t have. So when we take a moment to appreciate what we do have, that can seriously change our perspective. It’s not about ignoring the hard stuff, but we need to find the good alongside it.

Gratitude isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a game-changer for your mental well-being.

Here are some practical ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily mom life:

• Keep a gratitude journal. Jot down three things you’re thankful for each day. They can be big or small – a sunny day, your kids giggling, or even just a nice quiet cup of coffee.
• Say “thank you” out loud. Make it a habit to express your appreciation to God, your husband, your kids, and even the cashier at the grocery store.
• Start a family gratitude jar. Have everyone write down things they’re grateful for and read them aloud during dinner. It’s a sweet way to connect and focus on the positive things.

When you’re having a bad day, it’s easy to get stuck in a negative rut. But even in those moments, there’s something to be grateful for. Maybe it’s the roof over your head, the food on your table, or the fact that your family is healthy. Focusing on those things can help you reframe your perspective and find a little bit of light when things get tough.

Shift #3. Self-Care is Not Selfish

How many times have you felt guilty for wanting, like, just five minutes to yourself? Maybe go to the bathroom alone? Or to buy something cute for yourself? I know I have! But here’s the thing: taking care of yourself isn’t selfish at all; it’s so important. You can’t pour from an empty cup. So, let’s remove the feeling of guilt and accept that self-care is good!

When you’ve had a little me time and you’re feeling recharged, you’re a better mom, wife, friend—everything. You’re not escaping your responsibilities; you’re just making sure you have the energy and mental space to handle them well.

Here are a few ways to start:

• Schedule it: For real, put it on the calendar or set a reminder. Even if it’s just 5 minutes. Treat it like an important appointment (because it is!).
• Find what works for you: Taking time for yourself looks different for everyone. Maybe it’s a quick walk outside, maybe it’s binge-watching your favorite show after your kids go to bed (maybe with a glass of wine, or is that just me?). 
• Ask for help: Ok, I struggle with this one, but it is important, so I’m talking to myself here just as much as anyone. Don’t be scared to ask your husband, family, or friends for help when you need it. Or maybe trade babysitting with another mom. Whatever works for you! 

Remember, prioritizing your aspirations isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. When you take care of yourself, you’re not just benefiting yourself, you’re benefiting your whole family. Which leads us to shift #4! 

Shift #4. Ask for (and Accept) Help

I’m still working on this one. It’s so easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have to do it all, all the time. But we don’t!

So let’s start asking for help. And, more importantly, actually accept it when it’s offered. How many times has someone said, “Do you need help with that?” and you’ve automatically replied, “No, I’m good,” even when you’re drowning in laundry and toddler tantrums? Yeah, same here. Why don’t we stop doing that?

Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a strength. It means you’re self-aware enough to know your limits and smart enough to seek help.

Here’s the deal: accepting help isn’t just about taking away your responsibilities and making your life easier. It’s also about modeling healthy behavior for your kids. You’re showing them that it’s okay to need assistance and that relying on others is a normal part of life. Plus, it gives other people a chance to feel good by lending a hand. Total win-win!

Here are some ways to start asking for and accepting help:

• Identify your pain points: What tasks or situations always stress you out? Those are prime candidates for delegating.
• Be specific: Instead of saying, “I need help,” try, “Could you watch the kids for an hour while I run to the store?” Specific requests are easier to fulfill.
• Say “yes” when help is offered: Resist the urge to say no right away. Even if it’s not exactly how you’d do it, let someone else take a task off your plate. This is easier said than done, I know.
• Trade favors: Offer to help someone else in return. This creates a reciprocal relationship and makes it easier to ask for help in the future.
• Hire help: If your budget allows, consider hiring a babysitter, cleaning service, or meal delivery service. It’s an investment in your healthy mom mindset!

It does feel weird at first, but accepting help frees up your time and energy, reduces stress, and allows you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying your kids and your life.

Shift #5. Let Kids Be Kids

For a lot of people, it is so easy to get caught up in wanting their kids to achieve certain milestones or fit into specific molds. But I think the best thing we can do is just let them be kids.

We need to let them explore their interests and give them the space to make mistakes and learn from them without jumping in immediately to fix everything. It’s all about balance, of course, but leaning into letting them be themselves can make a huge difference in your family.

Did you know that your kid will only be a kid for about 1/3 of their life? You will know them longer as an adult than you will a child. So let’s enjoy it, and make sure they enjoy it too!

Letting kids be kids means allowing them the freedom to explore, create, and discover the world around them at their own pace. It’s about resisting the urge to over-schedule or over-structure their lives, and instead, providing opportunities for unstructured play, imaginative activities, and simply being present in the moment.

Here are a few ways to embrace this mindset in your daily life:

• Say yes to unstructured play.
• Encourage their unique interests.
• Let them lead with their play.

Shift #6. Learn to Say No

How often do you find yourself saying “yes” when every fiber of your being is saying “NOOOO!”? Probably more often than you’d like to admit. 

As moms, we’re conditioned to be the givers, the helpers, the do-ers of all the things. But you know what? It’s okay to say no. It’s more than okay; it’s necessary.

Learning to say no is about protecting your time, your energy, and your sanity. It’s about recognizing your limits and honoring them. It’s not selfish; it’s self-preservation.

Here’s how to start:

• Identify your priorities: What truly matters to you? What aligns with your values and goals? Focus on those things and let everything else go.
• Start small: You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight. Begin by saying no to one or two things each week that you dread or that drain you.
• Practice your response: Have a polite but firm response ready. You don’t need to give a long explanation or apologize profusely. A simple “Thank you for thinking of me, but I’m not able to commit to that right now” is perfectly fine!

Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person or a bad mom. It makes you a person with boundaries, which is a great thing! It teaches your kids that it’s okay to have limits and to prioritize their own well-being.

It’s tough, especially at first. You might feel guilty or worry about disappointing people. But the more you practice saying no, the easier it becomes. And the more you say no to things that don’t serve you, the more space you create for things that do. 

Shift #7. Focus on the Moments

You know how everyone tells you “oh they grow up so fast”? And you’re like, yeah, I’m aware while I’m changing diapers all day and knee-deep in laundry. But… it’s true. That’s why this shift is all about soaking up the now instead of constantly wishing for the next thing.

It’s easy to get caught up in wanting them to grow a bit older – to start walking, talking, sleeping through the night (oh, pleeease!). But what about all the little stuff in between? Those are the things you’ll really miss later. 

Time management is important, because it’s about making a conscious effort to be present. It’s not about adding more to your plate, but shifting your focus to what’s already there.

• Notice the way your toddler squishes their nose when they’re concentrating.
• Pay attention to the way your kid’s hand fits perfectly in yours.
• Listen to all the silly stories they want to tell you.

These are the moments that make up a wonderful life, and they’re happening right now. Don’t let them slip away while you’re waiting for the next thing. It’s easy to lose track of the positive when you’re so busy.

And you don’t want to ignore the milestones, of course. It’s about appreciating the journey, the everyday moments, and realizing that those “ordinary” moments are actually pretty extraordinary. You don’t have much time to enjoy them as kids, so make the most of it!

How to Keep Up with These Mom Mindset Shifts Long Term

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I know keeping them going isn’t always a walk in the park. Life gets busy, and old habits die hard. Here’s how to make these mom mindset changes stick for the long run.

Make Mom Mindset Shifts a Daily Habit

Think of these shifts like brushing your teeth – something you do without even thinking. The more you practice, the more natural they become.

• Start small: Pick one mindset shift to focus on for the week.
• Use reminders: Set reminders or sticky notes to help you.
• Celebrate wins: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small.

How Self-Awareness Supports a Positive Mom Mindset

It’s easy to slip back into old patterns when you’re stressed or tired. That’s why self-awareness is so important. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, and gently redirect your thoughts when you notice negative thinking creeping in.

Why Community Matters for a Healthy Mom Mindset

Surround yourself with people who support your growth mindset and have a healthy mindset themselves. Chat with other moms who are going through the same thing. Share your struggles and successes, and learn from each other. Having a support system can make all the difference.

And it’s okay to have off days. We all do! The important thing is to keep showing up for yourself and your family. These mindset shifts don’t happen overnight.

Why Grace Is a Vital Part of a Healthy Mom Mindset

Be kind to yourself! You’re not going to get it right all the time, and that’s perfectly normal. When you mess up, don’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, acknowledge your mistake, learn from it, and move on. Giving yourself grace is essential for maintaining a positive mom mindset long term.

Final Thoughts on Embracing a Positive Mom Mindset

Phew, you’ve made it! You’ve explored these mindset shifts, and hopefully, you’re feeling a little more equipped to handle the daily chaos. Remember, it’s not about becoming a perfect mom (because that’s not real). It’s about finding more joy and peace in your life.

These shifts are a process, not a destination. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small wins, and keep practicing. 

Think of these shifts as tools in your mom toolbox. Pull them out when you need them, and see what works best for you. Parenting is wild, but with the right mindset, you will enjoy it so much more! 

So, there you have it! These mindset shifts aren’t just some nice ideas; they’re real and very important for moms like us. Mom life can be lonely, messy, and downright overwhelming, but by embracing these changes, we can find joy in the little things. 

Remember, it’s okay to let go of perfection and just enjoy it!. Every spilled drink, every tantrum, and every chaotic moment is part of this wonderful journey called motherhood. 

So, take a deep breath, smile, and know that you’re doing an amazing job. Here’s to finding joy in the moment and celebrating the beautiful life of being a mom!

Key Takeaways

• Embrace progress instead of striving for perfection.
• Practice gratitude to enhance your daily experiences.
• Prioritize self-care as a vital part of a healthy mom mindset.

This post includes all the tips you need for healthy mom mindset shifts.