It’s Okay to Do Motherhood Differently—You Know What Works for Your Family

💗 Blog #6 in the From Mom Guilt to Peaceful Rhythms Series

As moms we go through different seasons, sometimes they are hard and sometimes they are a little bit on the easier side. Others feel heavy—like we’re performing for an audience instead of doing what God has called us to do.

Recently, I found myself in a season where I felt like I had to constantly explain the choices we’ve made for our family.

Why we don’t allow dyes or soda?
Why do our kids have limited screen time?
Why don’t we fill every day with activities?

Even as I write this, one of my kids is playing with play dough, another is reading, and another is deep into a card game.
And still—I’ve found myself second-guessing – these choices. 

Because when you look around, it feels like every other mom has it together—perfect schedules, spotless homes, kids in a million activities, matching outfits.

And if you’ve ever looked around and thought, Maybe I should be more like them…
I want you to hear this:

You don’t have to mother like everyone else, in fact we shouldn’t.

The Pressure to Fit the Mold

The expectations are everywhere—social media, church, even family and friends.
Everyone has an opinion on how you should mother your kids.

Years ago, I tried to keep up with an idea of motherhood that didn’t fit our family at all. I was juggling too much, feeling inadequate and constantly feeling guilty. 

And the worst part?
Comparison didn’t just steal my joy—it started to build walls between me and the motherhood I was made for. I wasn’t happy. 

It even started affecting how I connected with my husband and kids.

The Turning Point: Giving Myself Permission

One day, I paused and asked myself:
What’s actually working for us?
What actually matters in our home?

And when I brought the kids into that conversation, I realized they didn’t want to be constantly busy either. The go-go-go pace wasn’t just wearing on me—it was wearing on them too.

Yes, we homeschool.
Yes, we could technically fit more in.
But just because we can doesn’t mean we should.

So we made one small shift—and everything changed.

We leaned into slower weekends instead of packed schedules. We have a simple routine on Saturdays and we love it.
We chose homeschool rhythms that fit our kids, which isn’t being involved in a co-op.
We simplified our days so there was margin to breathe, we stopped packing our days.
We made peace with saying “no,” so we could say “yes” to what really mattered.

And honestly?
It’s been amazing. 

What I’ve Learned

My motherhood might look different…
But it’s rooted in love—not obligation and saying yes to everything.
It’s anchored in prayer—not pressure to be perfect.
It’s built around what we value—not what’s trending.

I still don’t get it all right.
But I’ve let go of the need to impress or explain.

A Word for You, Mama

If you’ve been caught in the trap of comparison, please hear me:

You’re not behind.
You’re not doing it wrong.
You are the exact right mom for your kids.

Your rhythms don’t need to look like anyone else’s.
What matters most is that they reflect the values, needs and peace of your home.

Listen to the Lord.
Pay attention to your family.
Let peace—not pressure—be your guide.

And as you prepare for a new school year, please remember:

It’s okay to do motherhood differently.

Ready to Build Rhythms That Fit Your Family?

You don’t need to keep up.
You need rhythms that hold you up.

💗 Check out The Simplified Mom Method — my flexible, faith-rooted coaching program designed to help you build rhythms that actually work in real mom life.

Love and Support,