April Perry with her mom, Zoe. (This was back when my mom could walk. She is now in the last stages of Alzheimer’s, but still just as sweet!)
A million visitors came to Power of Moms when Your Children Want YOU! was first published.
Clearly, the message struck a chord.
Because “the perfect lives” we see on social media seem so unattainable, we often feel that we are not enough.
And those feelings of inadequacy–however illogical–then flow into our family relationships, and it is way too common for amazing, deliberate mothers to feel discouraged–even though we are supporting and sustaining our families in a beyond-powerful way.
Enjoy today’s episode of Power of Moms Radio, where April will share her post in an audio format.
In the comments section of this post, please share your perspective. What do you think every deliberate mother needs to remember so we won’t get lost in all the images of “perfection” around us?
(And if you’re interested in being the first to hear about April’s upcoming book, Your Children Want YOU, please sign up on the form below.)
As always, we appreciate you sharing Power of Moms with your friends!
Show Notes
Full Post: Your Children Want YOU!
Sample chapter from April’s upcoming book
Motherhood Realized (Power of Moms published book that contains the original essay)
The Full Book is Coming…
April has been working on this book for the past year or so–reading a section to her mom each week when she visits her bedside. (Zoe is in the last stages of Alzheimer’s.) And while this book is a collection of stories about Zoe, it teaches principles that apply to anyone interested in creating a more deliberate life, centered on family.
Music from Creations by Michael R. Hicks
Audio Editing by Christy Elder
I love this post – and podcast! Thank you so much for sharing and reminding us that our kids REALLY just do want us! I think I was one of the millions who found power of moms from this post a while ago and have been a loyal podcast listener and supporter of POM! Love love it! Keep on keeping on and sharing!
Thank you so much for your kind words. So glad you’re part of our Power of Moms community!
Beautiful post, I’ll be waiting for the book to come out. I love that you are celebrating her life and beauty she brings to the world. I lost my mom to cancer a year ago and what I would give to have a long phone conversation with her again.
Loved listening to this podcast today.
My heart has a special place for those who have lost their mothers. Sending you love! And thank you so much for your support.
Thank you, April for this post! I never read it when it first came out and as a full-time working mom, I love to listen to your audio posts while I work. This really touched me this morning, as I often struggle with deep feelings of inadequacy as a mom…usually because I work. We have bare walls in our home, as I can’t seem to find the time or energy to hang pictures, and it’s usually a mess with only really time on Saturday to do much cleaning. However, yesterday as I was asking my two daughters some different questions taking time to get to know them better, one of the questions was ‘Where is the most wonderful place you’ve ever been.’ As I asked it I had a pang of sadness as I wanted my girls to be able to say ‘Disneyland’ or some other fun and exciting place…which they’ve really never been, but my 4-year old’s answer truly melted my heart and lifted my spirit’s more than anything possibly could. She said ‘My home.’ 🙂 It was truly a moment of realizing that I am doing something right, and in reality, many things right…and a good reminder for me to focus on all of the positive things I do and accomplish with and for my children each day rather than what I’m not doing. It was truly a reminder that my children want me! 🙂 So this just reinforced that feeling and truth inside of me this morning. So…THANK YOU!!!
That story with your daughter just touched my heart. Do you have a photo of her so this could be posted as a Picture Story at Power of Moms? That beautiful experience needs to be shared. You can email it to [email protected] and reference this comment on this audio post. SO happy to have you as part of Power of Moms!!!
Thank you, April, for posting this podcast now. I lost my grandfather four years ago to Alzheimer’s disease and my grandmother this past August. This post beautifully expresses the joy of times I’ve shared with them, but it also reminded me of how much my mom is missing her parents (and the compassion I need to share with her). Looking forward to seeing your book and sharing memories with you, but most importantly with my mom.
Kelly, what a tender comment you’ve shared here! I love how you are thinking about what your mother is going through and showing her such compassion. My daughters (and sons) have been amazing during this challenge I’ve been going through. Can’t explain how much that means to me. I’m so sorry for the loss of your grandparents and send you my love.
Thank you for turning this powerful story into a podcast and I can’t wait to read your new book. Your voice was so calm and inspiring on the podcast. Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for this! I love your podcast but this one had me actually crying to the point where I had to pause it and wipe my tears away. I have identified with this episode more than any and really needed to hear it. I feel like I’ve been bogged down with motherhood for the last seven years. I love my kids and my life and love being a mom. But I feel like I’m wandering around lost sometimes. My own mother died in a car accident when I was 8 months pregnant with my first child. We were very close and I was just devastated. I can’t tell you how much I still feel like I need her and her reassurance, especially since becoming a mother myself. Your podcast really helped me not to feel alone. Thank you.
Elisabeth, I wish I could give you a hug! Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for being a deliberate mother to your daughter. I am so sorry about the sudden loss of your mother, and I hope you know that we are here for you at Power of Moms. Much love!