Hey there, incredible moms of four little ones! I see you, and I know that the moment your feet touch the floor in the morning, the chaos is already knocking at your door. You’re greeted by the sounds of wailing and the urgent cries of “Mommy, I’m hungryyyy!” before you’ve even sipped your coffee.
The baby needs a diaper change and either a breast or a bottle, stat. Your toddler is throwing a fit, demanding her favorite Mickey Mouse toy right at that moment. Meanwhile, your preschoolers are squabbling again. It’s a whirlwind of demands: clothes to put on, hair to brush, teeth to clean, and the endless search for the “right” color sippy cup.
As you’re picking up yet another toy or a hidden Go-Gurt wrapper, you might find yourself muttering, “What’s the use?” It often happens when you’re serving your fourth plate of pancakes, only for the kids to suddenly declare that they don’t want pancakes anymore. Because, let’s face it, that’s just how it goes for us moms of four under four.
You put in the hard work to clean throughout the day, only to find that by nighttime, the mess has returned, sometimes multiplied. Legos are your new best friends—underfoot, of course—and spills are just a part of life. You may eventually give in to the mess, only to face the consequences when bedtime rolls around.
Some days, it feels like your own identity is fading away under the weight of your children’s needs. You give endlessly, yet there’s that nagging feeling of inadequacy. Did I spend enough quality time with each of them? Was dinner nutritious enough? Did I play with them as wholeheartedly as I should have? Why do I find myself raising my voice too often?
If only we, the moms of four under four, could see ourselves through our children’s eyes. Despite being stretched thin and worn out, we are still their anchor—their constant source of comfort. They trust us enough to express their emotions, misbehave, and even turn their noses up at our lovingly prepared meals.
Sure, our homes may not be spotless for years to come. We might have rooms with mysterious odors and a constant struggle to find matching socks. On a good day, you might manage to wash four sippy cups; on a tough day, you’re stuck hunting down the last of sixteen character cups.
Mornings can stretch endlessly, and nap times often involve a chorus of “Go back to bed!” until you find yourself on the brink of losing it. Your kids’ “witching hour” strikes between 5-7 p.m., and bedtime feels like an epic battle of wills.
Yet, despite the chaos, I wouldn’t change a thing. Watching our little ones grow together brings immense joy. We receive multiple sloppy kisses and four times the hugs. They believe the sun rises and sets with us, and we get to witness all the little-kid magic unfold.
Our fridges are adorned with the creative masterpieces of our budding Picassos, and those little artworks bring a smile even as we prepare baby’s morning bottle. Our children always have a buddy to play with, to argue with, and thanks to us, they will always have each other.
Moms of four under four, I know you sometimes feel underappreciated and overwhelmed. Your footing may feel shaky, but you are the glue that holds your family together. If our children could see the storm within us, they’d understand that even in our most exhausted moments, we are enough.
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Summary:
This heartfelt message is a reminder to moms of four under four that they are seen and appreciated, even amid chaos and exhaustion. The daily struggles of parenting may feel overwhelming, but the love and bond forged within the family are invaluable. Embracing the beautiful messiness of motherhood can lead to cherished moments and lifelong connections among siblings.