As moms, it’s inevitable that we’ll accidentally hurt our little ones — even when we’re trying our best.
I remember the first time I made my son cry.
He was just 2–3 weeks old, and I was clipping his tiny nails. As I snipped, he moved his hand, and I accidentally cut one nail too short.
He cried for a brief second.
I cried for minutes.
A few months later, when he was around 13 months, I was using the Frida nose sucker to clean out his nose.
He squirmed while I tried to calm him, and in the chaos, I accidentally blew air in instead of suctioning.
He stopped moving and looked at me with a brief, confused stare.
I panicked.
I immediately spiraled down the rabbit hole of Dr. Google — which, of course, made everything worse.
I called the advice nurse, scared that I might have hurt his lungs.
She calmly explained that the Frida tube is so small it’s unlikely to cause harm, and she wasn’t concerned.
She advised me to just monitor him at home.
So I did.
For days, I watched him like a hawk.
But here’s what struck me:
Even after those moments — moments where I felt I’d failed — my son still needs me, still chooses me and still loves me.
In the beginning of motherhood, I craved reassurance.
I needed someone to tell me I hadn’t messed up beyond repair.
But as I’ve grown as a mother, I’ve realized something deeper:
I am his mama.
And no matter how imperfect I see myself,
he sees me as his perfect mama.
He knows I’m his protector.
He trusts that I’d never intentionally hurt him.
So, mama — this is your reminder:
- Forgive yourself for those “oops” moments.
- Give yourself grace.
- You are a good mom.
- You are doing your best.
- And best of all: your little one loves you.
When Mom Guilt Hits, Try This:
- Breathe.
- Remind yourself that you’re human. Mistakes happen.
- Repeat: I am a good mom.
- Forgive yourself.
- Go hug your little one.