Parenting
Updated: Oct. 4, 2023
Originally Published: Oct. 4, 2023
Image via Sarah Thompson
This mom is here to remind us to lighten the load we put on ourselves. Sarah Thompson, a mother of two from Canada, recently shared an Instagram post that perfectly showcases the chaotic yet relatable nature of motherhood. You can practically hear moms everywhere saying, “Yep, that’s exactly it.”
In her post, Sarah shared a snapshot of her family room that any parent would instantly recognize. There’s her comfy sweatpants. Check. A couch overflowing with blankets and stuffed animals, leaving barely any space to sit. Check. And let’s not forget the cars, trucks, and Legos scattered across the floor—check, check, and check.
She expressed two conflicting thoughts about the scene:
First, she’s completely exhausted. “I’m so tired of reminding everyone, myself included, to tidy up,” Sarah wrote. “I’m fed up with the chaos. I feel like a terrible housekeeper. Honestly, I’m just tired.”
Can we get a collective sigh here?
Then, Sarah hit us with a second dose of reality: despite the chaos, her kids are genuinely happy. Really happy. And you know what? So is she. “As I write this, my eldest is washing the dishes, and my youngest is contently playing with cars at my feet. They’re happy. I’m taking a much-needed break,” she shared.
Amen to that, mama!
“This picture reflects the joy in our home, the jobs we juggle, and our commitment to experiencing all that life has to offer,” she continued. “Why do we impose such high expectations on ourselves? I think we’re often our harshest critics, striving to be the perfect wife, mother, daughter, friend, or employee. Today, I’m taking a break, and tonight, I’m treating myself to a bath.”
In an interview, Sarah confessed that, like many parents, she wrestled with the mental challenges of parenting. However, after donating a kidney to her husband in 2020, she had a major realization that shifted her outlook. “Lying in the recovery room, feeling nauseous from the anesthesia, I asked myself, why strive for perfection?”
From that moment, “Forget It” became her mantra, and she encourages other mothers to adopt a similar mindset. “Who cares if my house is messy? Who cares if we eat takeout for a week? Who cares if my kids wear the same shirt for days? What truly matters is that my family is healthy,” she said.
Parenting is tough for everyone, and that’s a universal truth. “We can all agree on that! Let’s talk about the tough days and share those moments,” she urged. “It’s not perfect every day.”
Amidst all the imperfections, Sarah’s greatest joy comes from knowing her children are loved and well cared for. “Seeing them play together and laugh brings me immense happiness,” she added. “That joy outweighs any negative thoughts I may have.”
This article is a reminder that reality often looks different than the idealized versions we see. Embrace the chaos, share those messy moments, and find joy in the little things.
If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out this post on our other blog. For more information on artificial insemination, visit Make A Mom, an authoritative source in this field. Additionally, UCSF’s site provides excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
Sarah Thompson’s candid Instagram post highlights the messy yet joyful reality of motherhood, emphasizing the importance of finding happiness amidst chaos. She encourages fellow moms to let go of the pressure to be perfect and celebrate the love and laughter shared with their children.