"Intentar ser Supermamá es tan inútil como intentar ser Mamá Perfecta. No va a suceder."

You know, the idea that aiming to be Supermom (or even Perfect Mom) is just setting yourself up for disappointment is actually pretty liberating when you think about it. The core message here is that perfection, in any form, is unattainable and that striving for it can be exhausting and pointless. It's about giving yourself permission to be human and imperfect.

Historically, this sentiment has emerged from a cultural shift in the way we view parenting and women's roles. Back in the mid-20th century, there was this idealized image of the perfect housewife and mother—think June Cleaver from "Leave It to Beaver"—who managed a spotless home, well-behaved kids, and a doting husband without breaking a sweat. But as more women entered the workforce and societal expectations evolved, the pressure to "do it all" and "have it all" has only intensified. It’s not just about managing a household now; it's about excelling in a career, maintaining social connections, and still being the perfect parent.

Take, for instance, my friend Sarah. She’s got a demanding job in marketing, two young kids, and a partner who travels a lot for work. For the longest time, Sarah tried to be Supermom. She’d bake cookies for school events, volunteer for every PTA activity, keep her house immaculate, and still try to hit every deadline at work. But you could see it in her eyes—she was burnt out. It wasn’t until she had a minor health scare that she realized she couldn’t keep going at that pace. She started saying no to extra commitments, accepting help from friends and family, and even letting her kids eat cereal for dinner sometimes. And you know what? Everyone turned out just fine. Her kids still love her, her career is still intact, and she’s much happier.

So, what can you take from this? First, let go of the guilt. It's okay if the laundry doesn't get folded right away or if you order takeout instead of cooking a homemade meal. Second, ask for help when you need it. Whether it's from your partner, friends, or even professional services, there's no shame in admitting you can't do it all alone. And lastly, carve out some time for yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re taking care of your own needs too.

Imagine you’re at a coffee shop with a friend, sharing your frustrations about trying to keep everything in balance. Your friend nods sympathetically and tells you about her rough week too. You both laugh and realize that you’re in the same boat, and maybe that’s okay. You’re doing your best, and it’s enough.

Here’s a relatable scenario: Picture a mom, we’ll call her Lisa, who’s trying to juggle a full-time job, a side hustle, and parenting. One evening, her son spills juice all over the kitchen floor while she’s on a work call. Normally, she’d feel a wave of frustration and guilt, thinking she should’ve been paying more attention. But this time, she decides to take a deep breath, smile, and clean it up together with her son. They end up laughing and making a game out of it. The work call? She catches up right after and no one’s the wiser. That’s the essence of it—embracing those imperfect moments and realizing they’re part of the journey.

So, next time you catch yourself trying to be Supermom, remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being present, loving, and real. And that’s more than enough.