5 myths about self-compassion and why it matters to mothers

As mothers, we are often told to ‘be kinder’ to ourselves. It sounds so simple. But the reality is, we are mothering in a society where self-criticism is believed to be the ultimate motivator of productivity and change. We are also mothering in a context where mothering itself is so heavily scrutinised. Thanks to social media, we are subjected to an abundance of information and the dissection of our every parenting decision by strangers who reinforce what we innately know and strive against: that it doesn’t take much to be considered a ‘bad mum’. In this context it’s easy to see why so many of us resist, or struggle with, this notion of self-compassion. Misgivings, or myths, about self-compassion also keep us trapped in self-critical patterns - the last thing mothers need. So what exactly are these myths and misgivings holding us back?