Worst mommy ever

So I had my first "worst mommy ever" moment yesterday. I would have wrote about it then but I ended up babysitting my nephew and with two kids and a hubby at home there was no way I was going to be able to write. So let me tell you what made me the worst mommy ever.

I was playing with my son downstairs in the living room and had him in his Sit Me Up chair. He was fine for a few minutes but then he decided that he wanted out. So I took him out of the chair but he still wanted to play with the toys attached to the Sit Me Up. I sat in front of the chair with my son between my legs so he could play. Well while this is going on, one of our cats decides she's going to pull out some extra toys from a small cabinet we have. I tell her to stop but like all cats she doesn't listen. So I decide I'm going to try and make her stop. Wait, let me explain one thing. In our living room we don't have a couch but these very nice wooden chairs from Vietnam that my in-laws so graciously gave us. They are made of solid wood and are able to recline so they have a foot stool attached. My son's chair is in between these wooden chairs. Okay so I go to scold the cat once again and my son tips to the side as I have stopped supporting him with my hands and part of my leg.

I hear the chair make a noise and then my son starts crying hysterically. I look and he is face down by the foot of the chair. I go in to mommy panic mode and pick him up and try to console him while looking for any bumps or bruises. Hubby is home and comes down to check on us and helps me calm the baby. He's mad that I let that happen but I'm mentally beating myself up. My son has been sitting up with some support for a while now and can tripod sit for a little bit. I didn't expect him to tilt to the side but honestly I knew better.

I cried after hubby was able to calm down our son and then handed him back to me. I hated myself all day for that mistake I made and honestly can say I called myself the worst mom ever. But I know that these things can happen even if you are watching your little one diligently. Accidents happen and luckily my son was not seriously hurt but more scared. I did learn a lesson though and will from now on keep all my son's toys away from those chairs. Even if it means my house looks messy.

I guess I just want to let any new mommy know that accidents happen even if you try to prevent them. Kids are going to fall, they will get bumps and bruises eventually and that doesn't make you a bad parent. I worked in a preschool for 11 years before becoming a stay at home mom. I have a degree in Child Development and know that these things will happen even if you are watching. But as a mom this hurt me and I kicked myself so much for letting it happen but I'm not a bad parent. Not long after my son was smiling and playing again and I just had to keep telling myself that I'm an excellent mom and am doing the best I can. I hope you mommies remember that too whenever you feel like the worst mommy ever.