Handling the Pressure

GULF COAST - HANDLING THE PRESSURE
"We have pressure coming to us from all different angles. And, we as women, I think, automatically compare ourselves to other women," says one local mom.  All of that pressure is one of the biggest challenges for moms. We all put it on ourselves. We all worry that we're doing everything our children need. It can be hard to live up to all that pressure, and in turn, enjoy the gift of motherhood..

Helping her three year old son, Lavelle, make his way to the top at the playground, and in life is a top priority for Korina Mortimer. But, being a mom is not always an easy job. "l feel lots of pressure every day. Every day. It's really hard," Mortimer says. Pressure, it seems, for moms is actually pretty common. It comes in all forms and it can be pretty overwhelming.

"We get pressure from everybody. We get pressure from the Hollywood moms," explains Kim Neal, the publisher of Baldwin County Parent Magazine. Neal is also a mom to six-year old daughter, Kaitlyn. She says the key to surviving the pressure -- and, at times, the guilt -- is to know what you can handle. Neal says, "don't set yourself up for failure. Don't do that on the front end. Know what you are capable of, what your capabilities are. And, just enjoy your time with your child."

To do that, Neal says don't compare yourself to other moms. We're all different. And, she suggests setting up a support system. Ask for help when you need it. If you're stressed out, often times your children can feel the effects.  And, like Korina, we should remember to enjoy our children, and every moment with them.

STRESS LESS TIPS
In order to stress less and enjoy it all more, our experts have a couple suggestions.

• First, don't set yourself up to fail. Know what you're capable of. Don't set unrealistic goals and then beat yourself up because you couldn't meet them. Don't kill yourself trying to do everything, because you likely won't get a chance to enjoy it.
• Don't compare yourself to other moms. We're all different. Our kids are different. What works for one mom, may not work for another.
• Ask for help. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's your child's doctor, a friend who's already been through it, or job or financial counselors, whatever!
• Build a support system. Things are always more fun when we can share them! Create a supportive group, people you can turn to for help -- and, people you can share all the good things with.
• And, finally, take a moment to reflect on all the great things you are doing for and with your kids! You should be proud of yourself! Remind yourself that you are doing great!

These are just a couple of ideas designed to help us all enjoy motherhood. We know the pressure can be pretty tough! If you have some others you would like to share with the rest of us, please send an email to Sarah.wall@fox10tv.com

MOM TO MOM
Our Mom To Mom segment comes from a mom of two. Paula Redd is the proud mom of seven year old Joey and two year old Madison. Paula tells us she loves watching the two of them together, as their relationship develops and they build their very special bond. " Now that she's two and she's interacting with him more, my favorite thing about being a mom is watching that interaction. Kind of explaining it and observing it, to see exactly how much they'll get along," says Paula.

It is so cool to watch our kids, as they get to know each other! Thank you so much, Paula, for sharing with us!

COMING UP
We are going to continue our special series dedicated to moms next Monday. In the meantime, if you have any questions, or any tips, please send an email to sarah.wall@fox10tv.com . We are going to continue to work together to help each other figure out the best way to do it all!