Motherhood is the best thing ever, but let’s face it: it’s also pretty overwhelming and full of self-doubt. As a toddler mom myself, I’ve often been found questioning whether I’m doing things “right” or not. Am I patient enough? Am I present enough? Am I making the best choices for my child? What I’ve learned, however, is that in order to boost mom confidence, it’s not about being an expert on everything; it’s about trusting in yourself, embracing imperfection, and showing up daily with love.
“Have you ever faced moms’ guilt, comparison, or—even worse—a general feeling of un-enoughness? For you, what I want to tell you is: you are already an amazing mother; all you have to do is believe it.”
Here are ten ways that have worked for me to boost mom confidence, and I hope they will work for you, too.
1. Trust Your Instincts to Build Mom Confidence
One of the best and most important things I learned about how to boost mom confidence is that no one knows my child better than me. Certainly, people can give some sound advice, but you are the only one who knows how best to understand your child.
If it feels wrong to you, go with your gut. When it feels like a major parenting move, do it. The more faith you have in yourself, the more confident you will be in being a mom.
“Trust self. You know more than you think you do.” — Dr. Benjamin Spock
2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Other Moms and Increase Confidence as a Mother
Comparison is the thief of joy, and in the age of social media, it is so easy to feel you’re not doing enough. Stirring shameful feelings when gazing at mothers making organic meals from scratch, creating Pinterest-perfect crafts, or maintaining seemingly perfect schedules isn’t difficult.
But the truth is: there is no one “right” way to be a good mom. What may suit one woman may not be good for you—and that is okay. First, put your child’s needs first, then what your family wants. The greatest difference mothers could make to themselves is recognizing that their own unique style of parenting is adequate.
Instead of comparison, just value your strength and understand that it is not a perfect mom that your child needs, but a happy and loving one. Boosting mom confidence comes from embracing your own way of doing things.
3. Put Self-Care First to Elevate Mom Confidence from Guilt-Free Activities
Putting yourself at the bottom of this well-balanced work-parenting-everything equation becomes easy, but you can’t drain an empty glass. You would think that such individuals do everything selfishly, but in fact, it is vital.
Be it a jog around the park, a few pages read, time spent sipping quiet coffee, or getting a pedicure: add something to your schedule that brings you energy. Mom self-confidence springs from knowing that your body and mind feel great, thus fueling self-care to do its work to elevate mom confidence while being a parent.
Check out my post on Self-Care Routine for Moms for ideas on how to fit self-care into your life.
4. Getting Outside Every Day Gives You a Small Boost in Confidence
Fresh air and movement work wonders for both yourself and your child. It affords opportunities to walk around the neighborhood, visit the park, or simply play in the backyard. Spending time outside helps with stress reduction, raises spirits, and gives any mental respite we need.
Some time outside has become a kind of non-negotiable for me. It helps me stay grounded, and my toddler reaps the benefits of being able to roam. Plus, sunshine and movement create an awesome combo for confidence boosters!
Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I head outside. Quite a shift in perspective can occur in just five minutes of breathing fresh air as a mom. Getting outside has truly become a ritual for boosting mom confidence.
5. Focus Less on Being Perfect, Focus More on Boosting That Mom Confidence
Perfectionism is unattainable; going after it will leave you tired and bitter. Instead of aiming for perfection, try just being present.
Your toddler isn’t judging you for the piles of laundry in the house or the non-gourmet dinner. What matters to him is you. He loves your hugs, your laughs, and the way your eyes light up when you see him.
Let yourself off the hook for being an okay mother—because that is so much more than enough. When you embrace imperfection, you’re well on your way to boost mom confidence.
6. Be Around Positivity for Mom Confidence Boost
When mothers focus on being there for one another, motherhood seems only possible. The presence of supportive families, partners, moms’, or friends’ communities changes views.
Find those who energize you, offer you a helpful pat on the back when you need it, and recognize your existence. If you happened to ask for a compliment today, I would urge you: You are doing fabulously!
A great source of inspiration for mom motivation would be You Are a Badass!
7. Celebrate Small Wins for Mom Confidence-Building
There are countless small victories within motherhood that ought to be celebrated. Did you survive a tantrum with patience? Maybe you finally drank your coffee hot for five minutes. Your toddler tasted something new? Win!
Confidence builds when we acknowledge our progress. Take a moment every day to recall something you did correctly instead of what you wish you could have done better.
Simply showing up for your child each day is a win. Celebrate that. Each win brings you one step closer to boosting mom confidence.
8. Create a Morning Routine that Sets You Up for Success and Boosts Mom Confidence
Your morning sets the tone for the day. These days I attempt to wake before my toddler (thank you, The 5AM Club!), which has shifted my mindset entirely.
If rising at five o’clock isn’t your cup of tea, try to set aside ten minutes in the morning for deep breathing, intention setting, and general positive vibes. Morning rituals can amplify mom confidence and empower you to take charge of your day!
9. Be Kind to Yourself and Grow Confident as a Mother
If this is not something you would say to your best friend, do not say it to yourself. Negative self-talk severely diminishes your confidence, and moms have a way of being extraordinarily hard on themselves.
Next time you hear yourself thinking, I’m not doing enough or I’m failing at this, counter with:
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I am doing my best, and that is enough.
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My child loves me just the way I am.
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Like my toddler, I am learning and growing.
Being kind to yourself is one of the simplest things you can do to boost confidence in yourself as a mom.
10. Remember That Confidence Comes with Time
If you do not feel like a confident mother, that is perfectly okay! Confidence is not something you are born with; rather, it is something you acquire.
Every day you show up, every moment you learn from your mistakes, every time you either trust yourself or doubt yourself just a little bit more, you are walking into a more confident version of yourself.
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — A.A. Milne
Keep moving forward, mama. You are already doing a phenomenal job at motherhood, and your confidence will keep building.
Final Thoughts
Boosting mom confidence does not come from knowing every single answer or doing everything flawlessly. Boosting mom confidence is about trusting yourself, embracing the journey, and bringing love with you.
On those really tough days, remind yourself: You are doing better than you think you are.
I would love to hear from you—what is one thing that helps you feel confident as a parent? Let’s discuss in the comments!