How to stop comparing yourself to others

not so perfect mum
  • Save

With social media, advertising, continually telling us what we SHOULD look like, what we SHOULD buy next, what we SHOULD eat, and how to live, it is no wonder the majority of us are left feeling not good enough. Without realising it, most of us fall into this trap and nonsense. We become brainwashed to the so-called social norms. 

What a load of BS!

The messages are we MUST have the perfect body (not sure what this even means), face, hair, teeth, health regime, diet, raise highly successful children, ideal partner, home and lifestyle. Must buy this or that. Have that or this. What a load of BS!

When we look at our reality, bodies, partners, children, lifestyle, we can often wonder why the hell our lives don’t resemble anything like this. We can be left feeling like we are missing out, or we’re not enough, or there is something we must need or want in order to fit in or feel happy. Simply not true.

No one has a perfect life

Comparing yourself to your friends, family, colleagues, the Kardashians, is the way to a miserable life. When you go on social media and see your friend posting another beautiful photo of her perfect family, you could be left feeling like crap. Why does she have the perfect family? Why do I not look as gorgeous as she does? Why does she have everything sorted? I will let you into a little secret, she doesn’t have a perfect family or everything sorted, this is a second in time, not her reality.

Another eye roll!

Another online friend posts her child’s latest achievements, and you roll your eyes. Here she goes again! Another photo of her utterly annoying child! You could be left wondering why you don’t have the academic child, or you could be left feeling frustrated or jealous. Judgments are normal.

And if you don’t believe me, listen to your judgments the next time you open up your social media feeds!

comparing yourself
  • Save

Instead of comparing, I would invite you to stay in your own lane. Focusing on your life is one of the essential ingredients of a happier life. After all, no matter who you are, what you have or do not have, there will always be people who have more or less than you. Some of us are more creative than others. Some of us are more academic than others. Some of us are tall, some short, some in-between. Some introvert, some extrovert. Some musical, some sporty. The beautiful, rich tapestry of life, as no two people are the same.

Red alert

When you become a parent, you will highly likely fall into the trap of comparing your child with others.

Why is my child not sleeping through the night – my friend’s daughter is?

Why is my child not walking yet – my sister’s son is?

Why is my child not speaking yet – my brother’s daughter is?

Why is my child not crawling yet – my friend’s son is?

Why is my child struggling to make friend’s –  my other children had no issues?

Why is my child no good at maths – her classmate’s do not seem to struggle?

Why is my child misbehaving – his friends are all sitting quietly?

Comparing is normal but not necessary.

Keep an eye out if you are concerned and seek help if appropriate but besides that, focus on your own family. Children develop at different rates, and we all have strengths and weaknesses. We are all unique. Important to remember this the next time you find yourself comparing yourself or your child to someone else’s.

Word of warning

If you have several children, this is often a trap many parents fall into, as they compare one of their children to another. As an example, one of their kids is academic, and the younger one struggles to keep up with his school work. Again, be aware of how you are dealing with this. Do not compare as this could lead to all kinds of problems.

One child could feel superior, tease the younger one, and the other child could be left feeling not good enough. You’d have to be a Saint not to compare your well-behaved child to your rebellious one! Not easy to do but appreciating and loving your children for who they are is the key. Avoiding comparisons and highlighting their strengths is vital.

Win-win

To round this up I want you to understand that you are wonderful, you are unique, and you must forget comparing yourself, your life or your kids to anyone else’s. Put all of your energy into bringing out the best in you and your family. I can promise you if you do this not only will you be happier, but also your family will benefit — a great life lesson to teach your children and a win-win for you all.

Comparison is the thief of all joy

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

STAY IN YOUR OWN LANE.

FOCUS ON YOUR OWN FAMILY AND LIFE.

COMPARING IS NORMAL BUT NOT NECESSARY.

PUT ALL OF YOUR ENERGY INTO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

  • Save

About the Not So Perfect Mum

Teresa is the author of the forthcoming book “I should have bought a puppy; Parenting with heart, honesty and humour.” Connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.

12 comments

  1. This is so true! We all need to stop comparing ourselves and our children – life is hard enough without that pressure too 🙂

  2. I’ve tried to stop this now, as I think all kids have different talents and will find their own thing. Also as I have got older, I realise academic achievements help but not the be all and end all at all x

  3. Having been a teacher, I’ve seen too many parents beating themselves up about where their child comes in the class. I’ve been determined that I’ll never out that pressure in my little one. It’s hard when you think I should be doing more activities though – look at these mums giving the most educational time whilst we watch CBeebies! Haha.

  4. You are absolutely right and Mums/parents need more messages like this. If I compared myself to other parents I know it would have a really negative effect on my mental well being

  5. This is a lovely post that I bet so many parents need to hear. I have never tended to compare my children with others because in my eyes my children are perfect the way they are regardless of what others are doing. I do however compare myself to other mums and other in general which drives my husband absolutely insane and leaves me feeling awful about myself. I am learning not to do this and to try and be kind to myself by concentrating on the positive things rather than the things I am not so good at.

  6. Oh I’m not perfect! Kids are definitely not perfect. And in my old age I’ve realised I don’t give a flying **** what other people think! We are a happy family unit, and that’s all that matters

  7. Yes to this! I have two boys who are so different. E.g. one learned to walk at 9 months, the other was almost 18 months. One is top of his class at reading but rubbish at maths, the other has a brain for facts and figures. No point comparing as long as they are each doing well.

  8. I need to try and remember this as I do struggle in this whole online world! My two are so different I do sometimes wonder if one was swapped at birth!! Xx

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.