Son Up to Son Down

At some point in my motherhood journey, I had convinced myself that to be the best mom I could be I had to give up everything that made me who I was before I had kids. I told myself that being a good mom meant spending every waking second that I possibly could with my children; devoting myself entirely to their happiness instead of my own. Being a good mom meant I had to give up girls nights, weekday beers, cussing and any type of spontaneity.

Let me be clear: I did not give up all of those things (especially beer … and cussing), but the guilt that surrounded me when I did go out or spend time...