• ABOUT ME
    • PRIVACY & COOKIE POLICY
  • J9 DESIGNS
  • PUBLISHED HERE
  • SPONSORS & REVIEWS
  • SHOP
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

This Mom's Confessions

  • COUPONS & OFFERS
  • CRAFTS
  • DISNEY
  • LIFESTYLE
    • GOODREADS
    • BEAUTY
    • FASHION
  • PARENTING
  • PETS
  • RECIPES
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Cookies
    • Desserts
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Ice Cream Recipes
    • Kid Friendly Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes

By Janine 83 Comments

10 Things Moms Can Give Up For Lent

Filed Under: Being a mom, BLOG, Lent, Life in General, lists Tagged With: Ideas for Moms to Give Up, Lent, Lent for Moms

“Have you decided what to give up for Lent this year?”

“Nope, not yet.”

“You?”

“Nope and that would be a big fat zero here, too.”

“Well, maybe you should give up losing your temper.  You know like yelling when the kids won’t go to bed at night or clean up the toy avalanches.”

“Ha ha, you should give up nagging us all then!”

“I will give up nagging, if you give up yelling.”

Hands were then extended and a deal was subsequently brokered!

If you are Christian and not living under a rock, then you know this past week was Ash Wednesday. This is the beginning of 40 Days and 40 nights of the religious season known as Lent. See Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and culminates eight, long weeks later on Easter Sunday.

No religious education will be imparted here for the most part. But will briefly share that for the Lenten season, all Christians are supposed to give up and deny themselves of certain luxuries. This is as a form or penance or punishment for what Christ went through dying on the cross.

Simply put, it is that time of the year to give up your bad habits!

Raising my hand in the air. See I am a Christian mom, who each year struggles with what to give up for Lent.

[Tweet “#Moms – What will you give up for #Lent”]

Thus, the above conversation that occurred between me and my ever so thoughtful husband. He offered me some much needed aid with the clever NO NAGGING for the next 8 weeks for me.

But still dying to see him keep cool with two little princesses. Because they have a penchant for making that large vein in his head throb and want to explode before most days have barely begun.

Still I have what I am giving up (thank you Kevin). But some Christian moms might still be undecided.

Are you a mom STILL struggling?

10 Things Moms Can Give Up For Lent

10 Surefire Ideas for Moms to Give Up for Lent

1.  Eating a cold meal with each and every daily food intake, because cold must mean amazingly tasty.
2.  Replacing the toilet paper roll every time the last person to use it chooses to ignore the need to replace it.
3.  Cleaning up all sorts of catastrophic messes or taking out the garbage, because moms equal garbage person.
4.  Waking up early every morning whether you have to or not, because mornings are the best part of the day if you are under 4 feet tall.
5.  Long drawn out bedtimes that last until the wee hours of the morning with all sorts of excuses why the little tyrants kids won’t go to bed.
6.  Being interrupted while doing anything, especially once you are holding a phone in your hand.
7.  Being the keeper to lost items, because if it is lost, then mom must know where it is.
8.  Being the on-call chauffeur to all 24-7 no matter the time of the day, month or year.
9.  Mediating fights over anything you could possibly imagine under the moon and stars.
10. Battling homework getting done, because homework is cruel and unusual punishment for the little people that moms just don’t seem to understand.

I know what you are thinking.

How on earth am I going to give up these most, amazing, daily treasures that I so enjoy?

But wait, hang on she must be kidding. Plus it isn’t even April Fool’s Day, yet!

OK never mind I must be confused as this is called being mom and if we were to give any of these up they may very well take our mommy cards away!

Happy Lenten Season one and all! 

Now, where is Spring? As this mom is so over the illness, ice, freakishly cold weather and snow. Because of all this has left my kids home from school more than they actually have attended the past few weeks.

However, if I make it to Easter Sunday in one piece without nagging my whining princesses or my husband aka the scooch, who likes to cheat at Trivia Crack, I think I deserve a medal or at least a little hug!

Signature 2015

*This article also appeared in syndication with permission on Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop.

Related Posts

  • Get Flowers Delivered in Sydney: A Guide to Finding the Best FloristGet Flowers Delivered in Sydney: A Guide to Finding the Best Florist
  • How to Remove Those Fall Kid StainsHow to Remove Those Fall Kid Stains
  • ‘Rise of the Jack o’Lanterns’–Rain or Shine!!…‘Rise of the Jack o’Lanterns’–Rain or Shine!!…
  • Irish Twins Mom’s Tales from The Princesses (Guest Post)Irish Twins Mom’s Tales from The Princesses (Guest Post)

Sharing is caring!

  • Share288
  • Tweet25

About Janine

Janine is a published author of the books, The Mother of All Meltdowns and Only Trollops Shave Above the Knee. She has been featured on The Huffington Post, Mamapedia, Today Parenting Team and SheKnows. She also runs her own graphic design company at J9 Designs.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. emma @ be mom strong says

    February 23, 2015 at 6:36 am

    Now those are some things I could give up- the garbage!! AHH! We don’t typically give anything up for Lent, but we are syncing a food experiment with Lent, so we will be giving up meat, technically!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 6:38 am

      Emma, I am so with you on this and we also give up meet on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday and all Fridays during Lent, as well.

      Log in to Reply
  2. Jill says

    February 23, 2015 at 7:44 am

    #2! What is it with the dang TP rolls, people?

    Seriously, love this list. I do not normally give things up for lent, but I do try to become more mindful and deliberate…which usually last 4.5 days.

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 7:46 am

      Jill, thank you and I ask myself #2 way too often around here and usually at like 1 am when I should be sleeping, but refilling the damn roll, LOL!!! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  3. Susanne Lewis Kerns says

    February 23, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    The good part about being a big ole heathen is that I get to have all the extra food and alcohol that you all give up for lent! 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      February 23, 2015 at 12:50 pm

      Susanne, I love the way you think!!! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  4. Kathy Radigan says

    February 23, 2015 at 7:57 am

    I love these ideas!! Sign me up. Just great!!!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 7:58 am

      Thanks Kathy and will totally sign you up!! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  5. Savanna says

    February 23, 2015 at 8:03 am

    This is a nice, I could totally give those things up for Lent! I am taking a more doing, being better approach this Lenten season. In the past though, I have given up FaceBook, Pop, carbs… you name it!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 8:42 am

      I am pretty sure I would fail at Facebook massively in one day’s time, but good for you and definitely give you major props for that and more 😉

      Log in to Reply
  6. Sarah (est. 1975) says

    February 23, 2015 at 8:26 am

    I *still* haven’t decided what to give up for Lent and it’s starting to be late in the game. I’ll take any ideas. Except not sugar. Or caffeine. Or anything else I like. #bestcatholicever

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 8:42 am

      Sarah, definitely #bestcatholicever here, too as I am struggling to keep with the no nagging to say the least 😉

      Log in to Reply
  7. Jen says

    February 23, 2015 at 9:03 am

    Haha! I am Mormon and and we don’t celebrate Lent so can I turn my Mom card in still for a few days and give up all of the suggestions on your list!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 9:04 am

      Jen, sounds good to me!! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  8. Bill says

    February 23, 2015 at 9:13 am

    Guess who, in our family, is the only one to replace toilet paper rolls? I don’t know why it’s so damned hard for them to replace it…I mean, it’s sitting there empty. Do they think it will magically fill itself?

    I was born and raised Catholic….today I don’t even know when Lent is. Take that, Sister Margaret!!!!!

    Happy Monday, Janine. Have a splendid day my friend.

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 9:15 am

      Bill, I wish I knew why it is so hard for them and I love your shout to Sister Margaret – classic! Have an equally splendid day and Happy Monday to you, too 😉

      Log in to Reply
  9. Mary Katherine Backstrom says

    February 23, 2015 at 2:37 pm

    I gave up Mickey Mouse. Which you would think is cruel to my toddler, but I’m actually spending quality time in the early am hours.

    Log in to Reply
    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      February 23, 2015 at 2:42 pm

      My younger daughter would go through withdrawal if I did this, but still love the outcome for you 😉

      Log in to Reply
  10. Amanda @ Growing Up Madison says

    February 23, 2015 at 11:50 am

    I’m going to admit that I don’t plan on giving up anything and I must have been living under a rock because I had no idea this past week was Ash Wednesday. Guess I’m a bad mommy huh? 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 12:32 pm

      So not a bad mommy, because I didn’t realize until like the day before when I saw something in my Facebook Feed!

      Log in to Reply
  11. April G says

    February 23, 2015 at 11:53 am

    I’m trying to give up the same thing, just being peaceful and calmer with my children. Try not to scream and yell nearly as much! We’ll see, it’s been less than a week. Oh, and alcohol… so you know it’ll be a struggle, nothing to dull the frustration.

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 12:33 pm

      April, I am not sure I could give up the first without some sort of alcohol to numb the craziness of it all. So, props go out to you for sure! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  12. Erin Dwyer Dymowski says

    February 23, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    Fist bump to another Catholic girl. I gave up TV. I’m not gonna lie. It’s been hard.

    Log in to Reply
    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      February 23, 2015 at 12:36 pm

      Fist bump right back at you and god bless you for giving up TV, as I am so not sure I could have done that as I am way too addicted to my DVR late nights 😉

      Log in to Reply
    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      February 23, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      Jessica, I only ever gave up steak during my second pregnancy when it literally made me nauseous to eat, but otherwise no one comes between me and a good cut of steak! 😉

      Log in to Reply
    • Jessica McNeill Azar says

      February 23, 2015 at 7:42 pm

      Erin Dwyer Dymowski you are hard core!!! Giving up steak is always killer for me

      Log in to Reply
  13. Lauren Baker Cormier says

    February 23, 2015 at 12:46 pm

    Ooh, that’s a hard one, although I think I’d have a harder time giving up what your hubby did!

    Log in to Reply
    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      February 23, 2015 at 12:49 pm

      Lauren, I took the lesser of two evils! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  14. Robin (Masshole Mommy) says

    February 23, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    I am one of those half assed catholics, so I don’t really give anything up for lent.

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 2:38 pm

      Robin, this is why we get along so well!! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  15. Diane Roark says

    February 23, 2015 at 12:58 pm

    Janine,

    You are so wise when it comes to suggesting what to give up. I am giving up the same thing I gave up for NEW YEAR’S, sweets and bread. This is the hardest thing I have every done including giving birth to twins.

    I am going to succeed. If you see me blogging about sweets, it is the ones I have made many times and love. I am not currently eating them.
    Many Blessings,
    Diane

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 2:39 pm

      Aww, so proud of you Diane and need to do better with my carb intake, but now I have the dreaded Girl Scout cookies in my house from Emma selling them. So, I am struggling on that truly!

      Log in to Reply
  16. Diane Hill Roark says

    February 23, 2015 at 6:00 pm

    What a great list of ideas to give up for link! Thanks for sharing!

    Log in to Reply
    • Confessions of A Mommyaholic says

      February 23, 2015 at 6:01 pm

      Thanks Diane and truly just couldn’t resist the humor in this

      Log in to Reply
  17. Karen says

    February 23, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    I do love #4! I told my husband that I would give up negativity. We always have this argument where I think I’m “realistic” and he sees it as negative. So I decided to work on that for Lent. It never works when I try to give up sweets or coffee. Ugh, see that’s being negative…change attitude!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 2:40 pm

      Karen, I have gotten better with negativity, which when I was younger was at it’s worst for me, but still like you I totally have my moments 😉

      Log in to Reply
  18. Seana Turner says

    February 23, 2015 at 2:38 pm

    Such a funny list, Janine. I remember how picking up the phone meant everyone suddenly needed me. Now it seems the ringing phone is a trigger for the dog to start barking! And I still blame “constant interruptions” as contributing to a heightened distractibility!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 2:44 pm

      Seana, the dog barks here, too at the phone and pretty much everything. Just thankful we didn’t have her, when I had napping babies, because might have been a deal breaker! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  19. Rabia @TheLiebers says

    February 23, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    On a whim I said I was giving up fiction. Now I really miss my books and it’s turning out to be a bigger sacrifice that I thought. Especially after all the snow we got on Saturday!!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 7:42 pm

      Rabia, I am not sure I could give up fiction either here to be honest.

      Log in to Reply
  20. Jack says

    February 23, 2015 at 7:22 pm

    Someone asked me what I am giving up for Lent and I said Lent. You should have seen the look of horror on their face. Of course I didn’t mention I am Jewish. 😉

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 7:43 pm

      Jack, I just totally spit my drink out and seriously could also picture that look, so it made me laugh even harder if you could imagine! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  21. Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says

    February 23, 2015 at 8:18 pm

    Ha! Can I give up all of those things??? 🙂 I haven’t chosen anything to give up for Lent. In general, I am trying to stop being so hard on myself & my physical appearance – I suppose I could try even harder and say I’m giving up insulting myself. That might be really hard though. I have a couple friends who are giving up Facebook! The horror!!!!!!! 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 8:28 pm

      Lisa, I am with you on Facebook and seriously it would probably kill me for a day let alone 40 days and 40 nights! But still, I think what you are giving up as you are truly an amazing lady inside and out to me!! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  22. Aunt Gloria says

    February 23, 2015 at 9:49 pm

    Good luck keeping your Lenten promises! It will certainly be a good exercise in being aware and stopping from doing it before you do. I think they call that Behavior Modification in psychology! But then you need to give yourself a reward to make it work! Think about the reward. Lots of love…..xxoo

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 9:50 pm

      Aw, thanks Aunt Gloria and definitely think I may need some reward after this 😉 xoxo

      Log in to Reply
      • Aunt Gloria says

        February 24, 2015 at 8:29 pm

        Make it something very good! xxoo

      • Janine says

        February 24, 2015 at 8:32 pm

        Will totally!!! xoxo 😉

  23. Jennifer | The Deliberate Mom says

    February 23, 2015 at 10:07 pm

    Ha! This was completely unexpected and clever. I’m with you on giving up all those things. I’ll also totally give up the interrupted showers and baths that I have.

    Thanks for sharing.

    Wishing you a lovely week.
    xoxo

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 10:09 pm

      You are so welcome and I really just couldn’t resist! Have wonderful week, too 😉 xoxo

      Log in to Reply
  24. Rosey says

    February 23, 2015 at 10:09 pm

    I think I’d like to give up carrying every single thing that no one else wants to carry when we’re out and about. Actually, I’d like to extend this to be a year-long thing instead of just Lent because I’m very generous that way. 🙂 #CarryYourOwnStuffFamily 🙂 😀

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 23, 2015 at 10:10 pm

      Rosey, I love that and would be right with you on that, well!! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  25. April says

    February 24, 2015 at 4:20 am

    i am going to have to take one for the team and give up number 9. Now what to do with all my free time?

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 24, 2015 at 5:52 am

      April, you are truly my hero 😉

      Log in to Reply
  26. Nellie @ Brooklyn Active Mama says

    February 24, 2015 at 7:25 am

    What an awesome list. Truth be told I didn’t even realize I was doing most of these things until you listed them! I will gladly give them up–especially the cold meals!!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 24, 2015 at 12:37 pm

      Nellie, I know the cold meals I would so gladly give up and was offered a meal out for Valentine’s Day, but the kids were included in that package deal. Turned that down as seriously want kind of gift out would that be as far as hot meals go?!

      Log in to Reply
  27. Chris Carter says

    February 24, 2015 at 12:34 pm

    Do you know that it is our NORM to leave the TP roll right on top of the old empty one. ALL. THE. TIME.

    I’ve surrendered THAT ONE!!! Lazy is as lazy does. I’m cool with it. I’ve gotten so used to it, I squeal with praise when I suddenly see a fresh roll re-attached!! And that is usually when a guest has come by, and used the bathroom. HA!

    I love love love this sooo much Janine!!!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 24, 2015 at 12:38 pm

      Chris, I truly think I must start taking this one up, as no one is actually doing it anyway. Thank you so much for sharing that with me!! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  28. Janine says

    February 24, 2015 at 1:26 pm

    Aww, thank you Christy and always glad to make you smile, too!! 🙂

    Log in to Reply
  29. Dana says

    February 24, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    I’ll give you a hug, although it will be a bit difficult to lift up my arms with all the layers I’m wearing! I forgot it was Ash Wednesday last week until I saw a woman in the mall with dirt on her forehead. Aha – not dirt, ashes! I learned all about those in college – I was one of the few students with a clean forehead!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 24, 2015 at 4:11 pm

      Dana, I will so take that little hug and as far as ashes go, I am totally going to hell as I didn’t get mine this year or last either! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  30. lisacng @ expandng.com says

    February 24, 2015 at 4:06 pm

    I don’t think I could give up any of those things ;). Good luck to you!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 24, 2015 at 4:11 pm

      Aw, thanks Lisa and I need all the luck I can get!! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  31. Kim says

    February 24, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    Fun list!!! Maybe we could add grocery shopping to it!! I have put it off about as long as possible this time:(

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 24, 2015 at 4:12 pm

      Kim, I either go by myself, which at the very least is quiet or make Kevin go! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  32. Kenya G. Johnson says

    February 24, 2015 at 5:46 pm

    LOL! This was funny. I’ve finally been able to delegate trash to Christopher. I’d like to not have to remind him to do it though. But at least I don’t have to do it. He even takes the big bin to the curb and brings it back on trash day 😉

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 24, 2015 at 5:49 pm

      Kenya, I need a Christopher in my life apparently!! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  33. Tamara says

    February 24, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    I do have to laugh about the toilet paper rolls because Scarlet always replaces them, I kid you not. And Cassidy is so anal. And I do it too! What a miracle. That’s our only miracle, though.
    I’d like to give up yelling.. for sure. So far, so good. I haven’t this week!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 24, 2015 at 7:19 pm

      Tamara, I wish I could say I didn’t yell this week, but already did yesterday but thankfully today has been better so far 😉

      Log in to Reply
  34. Ginny Marie says

    February 24, 2015 at 9:08 pm

    I am with you on giving up the homework battle! We had a doozy yesterday!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 24, 2015 at 9:26 pm

      We have have had our fair share, too and losing count here sadly!

      Log in to Reply
  35. Alexa says

    February 25, 2015 at 9:25 am

    Yes, I’d like to give up 1-10 please!!! I gave up wine, but I cheated already. Twice. 🙂

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      February 25, 2015 at 9:32 am

      Alexa, right there with you on all and God bless you on the wine, as you are totally a better person then me on that 😉

      Log in to Reply
  36. Rea says

    February 28, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    Aww, you truly deserve that medal and a hug! Not so sure either what I want to give up. I’ve mellowed down on the nagging part unless I felt really necessary, lol. Maybe I’ll just cross the bridge when I get there. 😀

    Log in to Reply
    • Rea says

      February 28, 2015 at 6:13 pm

      Ugh, my previous blog is showing on CommentLuv as I haven’t edited the URL. LOL. Sorry for the spam!

      Log in to Reply
      • Janine says

        February 28, 2015 at 8:38 pm

        No worries and just so happy to see you here 😉

    • Janine says

      February 28, 2015 at 8:38 pm

      Aw, thanks Rea and would most certainly share that hug and medal with you! 🙂

      Log in to Reply
  37. The Pinterested Parent says

    March 5, 2015 at 9:09 pm

    LMAO! I love this. I am giving up all of these. This is perfect. I using try to give up swearing. It never works.

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      March 5, 2015 at 9:11 pm

      I have tried that too and with my mouth it definitely doesn’t work here for me either!

      Log in to Reply
  38. Catherine Gacad says

    March 10, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    every lent, i give up anger so it’s very similar to nagging/yelling! i still lose my cool every so often, but i try to remember to breathe and count to 10 during this lenten season.

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      March 10, 2015 at 7:30 pm

      Catherine, I love that you do give this up and truly give you props for it, my friend! 😉

      Log in to Reply
  39. Meredith Spidel says

    March 2, 2017 at 8:02 am

    All these ideas are such total wins! Sign me up for Lent your way!

    Log in to Reply
    • Janine says

      March 2, 2017 at 8:04 am

      Thank you, y friend and will always sign you up for anything I have going as I love having you join me, my sweet friend – ALWAYS!! 🙂 <3

      Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Find Family-Friendly, Lifestyle, Recipes, DIY, Disney articles and more here.

Let’s Connect

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Resources

My Homework Done offers the best writing help for students on any task.

My Paper Done service will make sure that your college grades will always stay on top.

Have you lost your job due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and need to cut back on your monthly bills? Get rid of that timeshare you never use with the help of Hawaii timeshare laws and Missouri timeshare laws

Footer

Confessions Belong To

I Am A Published Author!

Featured Confessions

Confessions Partners

baby clothes on DHgate.com

Copyright © 2023 Confessions of A Disney-aholic Mom | Designed by J9 Designs

  • 288
  • 25