All I want for Christmas is to hear ‘good job’

As a mom, I often find myself in a rut of self-doubt and needing encouragement. I endure a lot of critical comments—and even some side-eye—and it can start to wear on even the most confident of mothers. So many people in our lives “never had to deal with a child doing such-and-such” or “didn’t do it that way” or “think things would be better if we just ‘fill in the blank.'”

That’s why a simple pat on the back goes such a long way. Personally, words of encouragement have always been my love language. That means I would gladly forgo a nice gift for some acknowledgment, recognition and praise.

Tell me I’m doing a good job.

Tell me you appreciate me.

Tell me my kids are lucky to have me (especially if they can’t tell me themselves). Give me that encouragement.

I’m so grateful when my husband takes the time to notice all the things I juggle on a daily basis or when he acknowledges the special talent I’ve developed for talking our 2-year-old out of a tantrum (which is successful only some of the time). Even the unsolicited advice that pours in from family members is softened quite a bit when it’s followed by an encouraging word or two.

For example, I especially appreciate when people tell me, “You’ll figure it out.” It reminds me that I am the one in charge of this whole beautiful mommy journey. Yes, people can make one suggestion after another. They can think they have all my parenting challenges figured out. But, ultimately, I’m the one who will do what’s best for my children. I love to be reminded that this motherhood thing is not only my greatest responsibility, but it is also my most amazing opportunity.

As a matter of fact, my kids (and partner) are probably craving the same words of encouragement too. I can remember growing up that I had a deep need for my parents’ approval and praise, and honestly, I still do. I see my toddler and infant respond so gleefully when we applaud what they do or tell them, “Good job!”

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So my hope for all of us this holiday season—especially those with busy, overloaded, tired-but-trying mamas in our lives—is that we can all pass along some words of encouragement to one another.

This time of year often finds us plowing away at our holiday duties and obligations. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all pulled our heads out of the fog to thank the mothers in our lives?

You can even turn this encouragement into an actual gift if you want to. Buy the mom in your life a journal and write your own inspirational quotes throughout. Write a compliment or reassuring message on each day/week of a calendar for next year. Or even get out a pen and paper, sit down, and write that mama in your life a good, old-fashioned letter. It’s a sentiment I guarantee she will remember forever.

To be clear, I don’t want to discourage you from buying her that spa gift card or that fabulous necklace she has had her eye on if you want to, but I do think the holidays are a perfect opportunity for all friends and family members to throw a little love each mama’s way. It’s nice to know that someone sees and appreciates our dedication to surviving this roller-coaster journey called motherhood.

The good news is that a compliment doesn’t cost a dime, so we can freely spread cheer and praise to everyone around us.

A version of this post was published December 2, 2021. It has been updated.