Mrs. F.L. Gillette

I'm a working mom of three who feels like I'm failing at everything. My house is always messy. Dinner is often cereal or takeout. I forgot my son's school picture day. I missed a deadline at work because I was at a pediatrician appointment. My mother-in-law has opinions about all of this. She raised four kids, kept an immaculate house, and always had dinner on the table at 6pm. When I say times are different now, she says "standards are standards." I know I can't do everything, but I feel like I'm not doing anything well. Should I lower my standards and accept "good enough," or should I get more organized and disciplined so I can actually achieve excellence in at least some areas? — Drowning in the Domestic in Dallas

81 votes