The Anxious and High-Achieving Mom: A Relatable Guide

Hey there, fellow moms! Are you tired of feeling like you're constantly juggling a million balls in the air, all while trying to maintain a semblance of sanity? Well, you're not alone! Many of us have been there, done that.

Being an anxious and high-achieving mom can be overwhelming. You put so much pressure on yourself to be perfect, to do everything right, and to make sure your kids are happy and healthy. And let's be real, it's exhausting!

So, what are some common traits of anxious and high-achieving moms? Well, let me tell you...

Behavioral Traits

• Overinvolved parenting: You might excessively monitor and manage your child's activities, homework, and social life. I mean, who needs personal space, right?

• Perfectionistic parenting: You strive for perfection in your parenting, fearing mistakes or inadequacies. Because, clearly, your kids' futures depend on it.

• Overpreparation for parenting tasks: You might excessively prepare for parenting tasks, such as researching, planning, and organizing. I mean, who doesn't love a good spreadsheet?

• Self-sacrificing: You prioritize your child's needs over our own, often neglecting self-care and personal boundaries. Because, what's a little burnout when your kids are happy?

• Constant worrying: You might excessively worry about your child's well-being, safety, and future. I mean, what if they don't get into college? What if they get hurt? What if...

Physical Characteristics

• Tense body language: You may display rigid posture, fidgeting, or restlessness. Because, who needs relaxation when you're worried about everything?

• Fatigue: You might appear tired, exhausted, or burnt out due to excessive worrying and parenting responsibilities. Coffee, anyone?

• Rapid speech: You might speak quickly, as if racing against time or trying to keep up with your thoughts. Because, who needs a filter when you're anxious?

• Dilated pupils: Your eyes might appear wide or intense, indicating heightened anxiety. Because, who needs sleep when you're worried about everything?

Emotional Patterns

• Guilt and self-doubt: You might experience excessive guilt and self-doubt about your parenting decisions and abilities. Because, what if you're not doing enough?

• Fear of failure: You’re deeply afraid of failing as a parent or not meeting your child's needs. Because, what if we mess them up for life?

• Intrusive thoughts: You may experience unwanted, distressing thoughts or images related to your child's safety or well-being. Because, what if something bad happens?

• Emotional reactivity: You might react intensely to stressors, such as becoming easily irritated or tearful. Because, who needs emotional regulation when you're anxious?

Coping Mechanisms

• Over Reliance on parenting books and resources: You might excessively rely on parenting books, online resources, and expert advice to alleviate anxiety. Because, what if you're not doing it right?

• Social comparison: You may compare ourselves to other mothers, feeling inadequate or competitive. Because, what if they're doing it better?

• Seeking reassurance: You might constantly seek reassurance from your partner, family, or friends about our parenting decisions. Because, what if you’re not good enough?

• Self-care neglect: You may neglect your own self-care and prioritize your child's needs over our own. Because, what's a little self-care when your kids need you?

So, if you're an anxious and high-achieving mom, know that you're not alone! We're all in this together, trying to navigate the ups and downs of parenting while maintaining our sanity.

And hey, if all else fails, just remember that it's okay to not be perfect. In fact, it's more than okay – it's necessary! So, take a deep breath, grab a cup of coffee (or two, or three...), and remember that you're doing your best. And that, my friends, is something to be proud of!