Post by @lolargeincharge

Yesterday I was crying because I genuinely believed that being a good mom meant swallowing my feelings, showing up, smiling, and making myself uncomfortable so my daughter could have both of her parents at one birthday party. And then thousands of women reminded me of something I needed to hear: A boundary is not a punishment. I am not taking anything away from my daughter by choosing not to put myself in an environment that is painful for me. She can have a beautiful birthday with her dad. She can have a beautiful birthday with her mom. She can be celebrated TWICE. 🤍 And maybe what she needs more than a picture of both parents standing at the same birthday party is two parents who aren’t forcing themselves into situations filled with hurt, resentment, and tension just for the sake of appearances. I kept asking myself, “What if she wonders where Mommy is?” But I realized one day I can tell her: Mommy wasn’t missing your birthday. Mommy was creating another beautiful one for you. Thank you to every woman in my comments who reminded me that protecting my peace doesn’t mean I’m choosing myself over my children. Sometimes protecting the environment they’re growing up in means having boundaries, too. Two homes. Two celebrations. One VERY loved little girl. 🤍 #affairrecovery #coparentingstruggles #singlemoms #custody #coparentingstruggles