I had a "bad mom" day

Not long ago I was having a “bad mom” day. I was on my phone too much, I raised my voice unnecessarily, I felt lazy, and I was impatient with my kids. I recognized my need to change, and I felt the Spirit prompting me to fix my problems. But almost simultaneously I felt defeated, and I felt the desire to just “give in” to my bad day. I could always change tomorrow, right? The thought crossed my mind that I had already chosen to ruin most of the day, so it was pointless to try to fix it at that point. Thankfully, I ended the battle in my head by listening to the Spirit, rather than Satan. I immediately prayed to God, repented for my choices, and asked for help to do better. I put my phone away, I chose to be “up and doing,” and I gave more attention to my kids. We did chores together, went outside in the backyard and played tag, and had a great bedtime routine filled with books, songs, and kisses. What started out as a “bad mom” day turned into a wonderful mom day. My kids went to bed with smiles on their faces, and I felt like a different person compared to just a few hours prior.

I have had this experience so many times as a mom. I fall short often, and I find myself hearing a voice of inadequacy and defeat. But, I have discovered by ignoring that dark voice, and instead listening to a voice that is encouraging, uplifting, and enabling—I can continually repent, change, and find happiness. Because of the Savior, all is never lost. Because of the Savior, I can rise above my mistakes. Because of the Savior, I can continually improve as a mom.

Satan doesn’t want mothers to remember the Savior. He knows the immeasurable impact for good we can have, so he wants to thwart our work. He strives to make us feel stuck in a cycle of worthlessness, despair, and discouragement. He wants us to feel like failures. 

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught,