I’m suffering from my fair share of mom guilt.

I fed my kids fast food chicken nuggets entirely too much this week. I even ordered them the fries and passed on the apple slices/applesauce/fruit cup option.

I’ve allowed sugary breakfast cereal to creep back into their diets. Although, I blame their father more for this because he was the one who picked up two boxes because they were “on sale.” Then again, I’m the one pouring the bowls in the morning.

There has been an exorbitant amount of “Max and Ruby”, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and all things PBS Kids.

I’ve been breaking our “no video watching in the minivan while driving in town” rule. My 2-year-old hates his car seat lately and screams ear-drum piercing screams while planking his body and sliding out of the seat. If I promise a DVD, he sits up, smiles, and even helps me buckle his five-point harness. (I see how I am reinforcing this poor behavior—I know, I know.)

I had a major meltdown one night that resulted in screaming, crying, and a mommy time-out. I barricaded myself in the bathroom that doesn’t lock. Meanwhile, little fingers crawled under the door and my 4-year old questioned my sanity, “Mommies don’t take time outs! That’s only for kids.”

Wrong.

Dirty clothes are piled like mountains in my laundry room, which reminds me I haven’t changed the sheets on the kids’ beds in… well, I won’t specify.

I know other moms are suffering from this suffocating, self-hatred inducing phenomenon of mom guilt. In 2011, the “Today Show” and Babycenter.com reported that 94 percent of us have mom guilt.

Ladies, it’s time to stop feeling guilty!

5 ways for us to banish mom-guilt:

1. Be realistic. June Cleaver broadcasted in black and white; we’re operating in a Hi-Def, 3-D world.

2. Don’t compare yourself to other moms. This is difficult but so important. What works for one mom and her family won’t necessarily work best for yours.

3. Surround yourself with supportive women who nurture you and your parenting.

4. Forgive yourself for mistakes made, ask your children for forgiveness, and move on. What can I do differently next time?

5. Acknowledge what you are doing right as a mom and celebrate it.

I did play five rounds of Zingo with the kids the other night. We have lots of play dates. We made it to the library and I encouraged my oldest to help me make a healthy dinner. They are happy and loved.

Isn’t that worth a guilt-free day?

Jessica Brashear is married with two children. Read her blogs here on momaha.

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