There’s a chorus of critics who scrutinize mothers who share their parenting journeys. They accuse us of oversharing, of exploiting our children’s lives for clicks. They label us as self-absorbed, gushing over sentimental clichés on social media.
Maybe they have a point. Sometimes. Occasionally.
However, I express my experiences—both in parenting and in life—to foster connection. In the early days of my motherhood, I found myself sitting on the floor, tears streaming down my face alongside my colicky, discontented baby. I often questioned my decision to become a parent, feeling utterly isolated as friends around me weren’t yet embarking on that journey. It was as if I had been hit by a bus—the Bus of Motherhood. Those initial months were not a time for sweet reflections; they were raw and challenging. What helped me survive that first year was the bond I formed with other mothers—through support groups, playdates, and shared words. Their stories and my own lifted me during times when I felt completely overwhelmed.
If I were to compile a list of the many unexpected challenges I faced as a parent, it would be extensive. While being a mother is a beautiful experience, it’s also incredibly tough. The daily grind of feeding, clothing, and nurturing little ones who’d rather indulge in all-carb diets and endless screen time can feel relentless.
Let’s be real: the sleep deprivation from my newborns was monumental. Nursing my babies was rewarding but left me feeling drained by day’s end. I’ve shed frustrated tears over meals that were met with immediate rejection. I’ve pondered when I might have a day free from cleaning up after someone else. I’ve cried over the fleeting nature of childhood, lost my temper, and felt utterly exhausted from the grind of parenting.
Yet, the hardest parts of being a parent are the unspoken struggles—those moments I choose not to share to protect my children’s privacy. These unwritten experiences include days filled with doubt, times when I feel paralyzed and wish I could escape to a quiet café, if only to catch my breath. I want to hide, not out of a lack of love for my children, but because I feel uncertain about how to support them in those moments. They are not issues that can be solved with a diaper change or an earlier bedtime.
There’s a quote often attributed to Plato, though some argue it originated with Ian MacLaren: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” This is especially true for parents. In our daily encounters—whether at school drop-offs, sports events, or grocery stores—we often only glimpse the surface of each other’s struggles. We might see a parent dealing with a tantrum or comforting a child after a fall, but we rarely witness the moments that truly challenge them—like the nerves before a psychiatrist appointment or the weight of disheartening test results.
I write about parenting, but sometimes the most heart-wrenching stories are the ones I keep private. My toughest days are often not about the mundane frustrations but the deeper struggles, the chasms I navigate daily while trying to ensure my children don’t fall into them. I remind myself that there are many other parents on similar journeys, each facing their own unseen battles, all worthy of acknowledgment.
Through those dark early months, I learned that motherhood would inevitably bring tears. What crushed me then—the endless nights, the unpredictable crying spells—seems trivial compared to the weight of my current worries. That feeling of being lost, of yearning for a grown-up to rescue us, hasn’t disappeared; it has simply evolved.
So to you, the one grappling with your own hidden struggles, I understand. I know the anxiety of navigating forms, the tension of waiting for teachers’ feedback, and the heartache of leaving your child’s room feeling utterly defeated. Even if I don’t witness your battles, I recognize their existence, and I’m fighting alongside you—silently, but surely.
For more insights into fertility and parenting, check out our other posts on home insemination here. If you’re looking for an authority on this topic, Make A Mom offers invaluable guidance for couples. For excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Womens Health.
In summary, while the journey of parenthood is filled with joys, it also harbors unseen struggles that many choose to keep to themselves. It’s a path of connection, understanding, and silent battles that make the experience uniquely challenging and rewarding.