Updated: July 2, 2020
Originally Published: June 21, 2016
Motherhood can be tough—grueling, even. While society often expects moms to focus solely on the blessings of parenting, it’s important to acknowledge the daily chaos and challenges that come with raising little ones. Sure, we’re grateful, but even the most fortunate among us have had moments of despair, like when a toddler’s wild antics leave us feeling like we’ve just been through a wrestling match.
Raising children is undoubtedly one of the most demanding jobs—physically and emotionally—on the planet. Thankfully, for every challenge we face, there’s a bright spot that makes it all worthwhile. Just today, my kids were loudly shouting “Boogers! Tushie! Bellybutton!” in the middle of a store, and I could feel my face turning crimson as I wished for the ground to swallow me whole. However, later that evening, as I was cleaning up after dinner, I felt a pair of small hands on my shoulders. It was my younger son, checking in on me. “I’m sorry we embarrassed you today, Mommy.”
“Thanks for apologizing! Want to give my shoulders a karate chop?” His face lit up as he gleefully complied. Children can be a handful, but they also have a sweet side that makes the tough moments bearable. Here are some of the other joys and pains of motherhood:
- My Back! Ouch!
From lifting kids in and out of car seats to bending over to clean up toys, back pain is an all-too-frequent companion. Foreplay? Now it’s me sweetly asking my husband to apply some Bengay—seriously! - ‘Mommy Thumb’
All that lifting can lead to a painful condition called mommy thumb, a form of tendonitis from picking up little ones repeatedly. When it flares up, it feels like my wrists are on fire. But there’s a silver lining: during a recent flare-up, I had my kids learn to do more for themselves, like getting into their car seats and fetching snacks. Score! - Bumps and Bruises
Just this year, my oldest accidentally knocked me off balance, leading to a concussion. After two ER visits, I’m back to normal, but I’ve learned to be cautious. Between being hit by flying toys and bumping into furniture, I sometimes wonder if I should invest in helmets for everyone. But those moments when the kids check on me with their big eyes make it all worth it. - My Aching Knees
I may not be elderly, but my knees feel it! Cleaning up messes and changing diapers has left me feeling a bit worn down. And let’s be honest, I spend plenty of time on my knees trying to scrub coffee spills off the rugs—clumsiness is real before I’ve had my caffeine fix! - Stress Headaches
There comes a point in the day when hearing “Mommy” one more time feels unbearable—typically around 3 PM. Unfortunately, I still have hours to go. Thank goodness for a glass of wine to help me unwind at the end of the day!
With all the challenges, there are little joys that remind us why we keep going. In fact, I’ve swapped my kids’ karate chops for a soothing Wahl massager, allowing them to help by rubbing my feet instead.
For every struggle in motherhood, there’s a joy waiting to balance it out. For more insights on home insemination and parenting, check out this other blog post on home insemination. And if you’re looking for expert advice on enhancing fertility, Make a Mom is a great resource. Additionally, for those interested in exploring options for pregnancy, this Wikipedia article on in vitro fertilisation is an excellent read!
Summary:
Motherhood comes with unique joys and challenges that can leave parents feeling both overwhelmed and grateful. From physical pains like backaches and “mommy thumb” to the emotional highs of sweet moments with kids, each day is a balancing act. As every mother knows, the struggles are often offset by the small joys that make it all worthwhile.