Encouragement for Today - September 2, 2025
Am I Doing Enough? 3 Guideposts for Overcoming Mom Guilt
ABBIE HALBERSTADT
Lee en español
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
“Do you feel like you’re giving each of your children what he or she needs? I worry about this constantly when it comes to my kids.”
Some variation of this question lands in my inbox weekly.
While I think it conveys some common misconceptions about large families (I’m a mama of 10 — yes, you read that correctly), the primary underlying motivation seems to be a gnawing worry about not doing “enough.”
But as long as our goal is to honor God with our actions, words, and heart posture — seeking first His Kingdom, as today’s key verse reminds us — that will always be sufficient in His sight. “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
What does that look like practically in motherhood? Maybe a lot of different things, but these three guideposts have bolstered my confidence, serving me well in keeping the “am I doing enough” question at bay:
- Observation.
When we practice the mundane but oh-so-important art of paying attention, we are rewarded with concrete, actionable ways to love our children. If noticing were an Olympic sport, we mamas should dominate first, second, and third place on the medals podium.
- Intentionality.
Once we’ve carefully observed our kids, we can intentionally apply that knowledge and take action.
Take my son’s love for dance. When I noticed his natural ability to groove, I started thinking of wholesome ways to cultivate that. Soon, I landed on YouTube tutorials for a fun, athletic dance style called shuffling. As a family, we spent a fun, sweaty session learning the most basic shuffle step ever. Were we good? No. But a bit of intentionality with a smidge of effort turned into a unique way to bond.
- Connection.
You’ve observed and intentionally invested, but to what end? The simple steps below have helped me grow a genuine connection with my children — maybe you can try them too:
- Put down your device. Nothing says “I’m only pretending to listen” like frequently glancing at our screens in the middle of a conversation.
- Ask questions. One of the best ways to connect with our kids is to ask questions and then allow them the time and space to answer.
- Pray specifically for each child. Taking the time to mention each child to the Lord by name and ask for His help in connecting with their heart is so crucial yet often overlooked.
The investment of time, attention, and care inherent to each of these steps is one of the most worthwhile and joy-filled pursuits we will ever undertake. God will honor these efforts in our motherhood! What a privilege to know, love, and disciple another eternal soul, knowing that with God, what we have to give is enough.
Father, thank You for pursuing us with Your love. May Your patience and steadfastness, even in the face of our rebellion, be the example we strive to follow in discipling our children. And may we learn to rest in Your “enoughness.” In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
OUR FAVORITE THINGS
For encouragement and insight to remain engaged and hopeful amid the challenges of motherhood, check out Abbie’s latest book, You Bet Your Stretch Marks.
ENGAGE
Abbie invites you to the unapologetically messy, maddening, and miraculous world of motherhood. Connect with her at Misformama.net.
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FOR DEEPER STUDY
Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (ESV).
2 Corinthians 12:9a, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness’” (ESV).
If you feel anxiety that you’re not doing “enough,” where do you think that anxiety comes from? Is there something you can do on a practical level to mute voices that produce fear rather than action?
What step can you take to prioritize connection with your children this week? Share with us in the comments!
© 2025 by Abbie Halberstadt. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
P.O. Box 3189
Matthews, NC 28106
www.Proverbs31.org
