Trying To Please Everyone But Me...

:( I can totally relate to this. There are definitely times when it seems we're not appreciated for all we do. I am a stay at home mom as well (currently running a day care too from my home) and I know exactly what you're talking about. Unfortunately the only advice I can offer is to just try and not take it to seriously. People have bad days and tend to take it out on whoever is closest to them. I'm sure anyone criticizing you, doesn't really mean it. And you could always offer to let them do it for a day and then come back to you with the results, lol. Keep going hon, it's tough but the rewards are great:)

Oh I know exactly what you mean!!! I care for three children, 6 months, 19 months, and 13 months. I clean, cook, take care of the pets, and get things ready for my husband. I am technically unemployed and everyone loves to point this out to me. I just tell them until they can change the same amount of diapers I do, cook, clean and stay to the schedule for the children while dealing with a 6 month old who cries ALL DAY. Then I don't want to hear it. My husband tells me his day was so hard and I tell him at least the people he works with are potty trained. Until he has to change diapers all day and pay bills etc. then I don't want to hear anyhting about how hard their days are. I know that so some the jobs that you and I do mean nothing and anyone can do it but when it really comes down to it not everyone can do it and if they criticize you for how you clean your house you just go grab the cleaner etc. and tell them here you go, show how to do it. I guarantee they will be embarrassed and never say another thing to you about that.

I know what you mean. You try your hardest, give it your 110% yet it still is not good enough for some people. You just have to learn to satisfy yourself and be happy with yourself you gave it your all.

Just goes with that statement, don't judge someone until you walk in their shoes. No one should judge your work, unless they know what it is like being you.

We can only offer advise to you. I live with a man that tells me that I don't do anything right. I smile and agree with him. He will tell me that I don't know how to clean house. I said, you are right. He picked at my cooking. I said he was right. He said well, what are you going to do about it. I said, let you do the job since you know how to do it so much better. I then plunked down on the sofa and took up my knitting. After a couple of days of me doing nothing, he got the point.

Oh I so hear you!! And I bet everyone can relate to this whether they are a stay at home mom or a work outside of the home.. Even kids can feel this-- They try hard to do the best they can on tests but don't pull a 100- their parents say couldn't you have done better?
I go to work and work my butt off and do way more work than alot of people.. but my boss still says you have this to do and this deadline-- why isn't it done?? Ever thought of helping me finish it instead of complaining.
So I feel you-
People should stop and think before making any negative comments to other people, other family members, other co-workers, their kids...
I'm sure you are doing a great job with your kids and your house- Keep it up!!

I was in that situation and then guess what happened? I stopped giving a damn.

been right where you are now except i had three wee ones and i know the feelings you have,and some time i still feel the same all my kids are grown now and they still thought i should hop well guess i dont the one people i worry is me my husband because everything i do is fine him i am also out of and it it hard on us i have had to learn how to d o with out some things i like buts ok i am happy you have to think of yourself before you get to the point you do care any more hang in stand up for your self and let no one make you feel bad about yourself you are doing your best.

Look at your children and thank God for the wonderful blessing you have as a mother. Let nothing that anyone says, thinks or does rob you of that wonderful privilege you have of being a wonderful mother.

It is very insensitive for these people to judge you.
Some of them may just want to help you, but this is evidently not the right way!
You should just tell them "Hey, I have a job, i'm a mother, and I'm damn good at it!" People are just too close minded and have a hard time thinking of being a stay at home mom as a job, specially with such small kids (I would understand their critiques if they were older and went to school).
You should just feel pride in what you do, and if you can show people that, they will realize that you don't nee to hear their criticism. If they want to help you, or give toy some friendly advice, then that's great, if not.. then they should keep it to themselves.
Good luck with everything!

I believe that is a people-pleasing syndrome where you are feeling like a doormat. It's impossible to please others because it not only drains your physical and emotional energy, but what would you get out of pleasing everyone in your life to within an inch of your life? Sometimes...no...many times there is a little word that you can use to get back your life: "NO!!!"

If you use that word, people will think you are selfish, conceited and vain, but it's better to be selfish, concieted, vain AND assertive, rather than selfless, people-pleasing, overgenerous AND miserable.