To all the moms out there struggling to keep it together, this one’s for you. The secret to navigating the whirlwind of motherhood is recognizing that we’re not in this alone. We all face those challenging days that leave us feeling exhausted, embarrassed, or overwhelmed. Behind every flawlessly curated family photo on social media are real people grappling with their own ups and downs.
One mom who truly gets it is Sarah Thompson, the voice behind the popular blog Mom on the Go. She recently opened up about her own journey through motherhood, sharing experiences that resonate with many of us. “I’ve been the mother whose card was declined at the store, making me painfully put items back while a line of stares bore into me.” But she persevered.
“I’ve been the mom whose child caused chaos at the playground, with everyone looking at me like I was the worst parent in the world.” Yet, she survived that too.
“I’ve sat in my car, devouring junk food as a way to cope with my emotions.” And yes, she made it through.
“I’ve been the mom sitting in a doctor’s office, waiting for help with my mental health, feeling like a failure because I thought I should be better.” But, she survived.
Different circumstances bring different challenges in parenting. Some days are filled with beautiful memories, while others leave us in tears, finding solace in a fast-food drive-thru. Sarah understands this all too well.
“I’m not superhuman,” she admits. “I don’t always bounce back, but I know I can endure through the darkest times. Because giving up isn’t an option for me.” She reflects on days when she felt utterly depleted, comparing herself to those seemingly perfect moms on social media and wishing she could be like them.
The pressure to appear flawless—especially in the age of social media—is overwhelming for many mothers. While we may not be superheroes, we are doing our best. Criticizing each other won’t help anyone.
Sarah shared with us that her struggles with anxiety and depression intensified after becoming a mom. “The day I wrote my post was one of those days when my cart was too full, my card got declined, and I had to put things back. But I’m still here, we’re alive, we’re fed, and we’re okay.” She emphasizes the beauty of her community, where everyone is going through similar struggles, often feeling too ashamed to talk about it. “Real life is imperfect, and that’s perfectly okay,” she says.
There will undoubtedly be days when we feel like we’re failing as parents—when our frustrations get the better of us, and we worry our kids might resent us. However, Sarah reminds us that these moments do not define who we are as mothers. “Yes, there will be difficult moments,” she concludes. “But they are just that—moments. Bad moments don’t mean we’re bad moms.”
For more insightful content on motherhood and parenting, check out our other blog post about the home insemination kit. Additionally, if you’re looking for expert advice on parenting, you can visit IVF Babble for valuable resources. And for insights into what mothers wish fathers understood, take a look at this piece from Intracervical Insemination.
In summary, it’s essential to remember that every parent has their battles. The tough moments do not define us; they are just fleeting experiences on our journey. We’re all doing our best to navigate the ups and downs of motherhood, and that’s what truly matters.