In the digital age, being a parent can often feel like a rollercoaster ride—full of highs and lows that aren’t always shared on social media. While many parents post about their #blessed lives, it can be tough to acknowledge the more challenging moments. Australian blogger, Mia Thompson, recently took to Facebook to express what many parents feel but seldom voice.
Before becoming a parent, we often see shiny images and perfect moments that suggest parenting is pure magic. However, the reality can be quite different. “You never see ads featuring a mom locked in a closet, weeping in her stained pajamas, praying for some moments of peace amidst the chaos,” she wrote. It’s a stark reminder that new parents often feel deceived. Like many, I expected my days as a stay-at-home mom to be filled with joyful playdates and peaceful yoga sessions. Instead, I found myself skipping showers for days while managing breakfast demands from the kids.
We’ve all had those exhausting days (or even longer stretches) when the only thing we can think about is how much we’re looking forward to bedtime. However, as Mia highlights, many parents hesitate to express their struggles for fear of appearing ungrateful, especially when many are facing fertility challenges. “Complaining can feel like a slap in the face to those longing for even a moment of parenting struggles,” she points out.
Having gone through infertility myself before welcoming twins, I can empathize with both sides. I once felt resentment towards parents who vented about their kids, thinking they didn’t understand the challenges of longing for a family. Yet, after becoming a mom, I realized the immense pressure that comes with caregiving. Guilt can weigh heavily when you don’t feel joy every second of the day, especially when social media floods your feed with cheerful snapshots of parenting.
Mia admits to sometimes pretending to enjoy motherhood for the sake of her online persona. “You post the smiling family photo, throw in some hashtags like #lovingit and #mumlife, and when the camera’s off, you’re screaming into a pillow because you’re just so overwhelmed,” she explained. Many parents feel that pressure, wanting to maintain an image while navigating the real struggles behind closed doors.
Of course, there are moments when parenting feels like a dream and we celebrate those wins. But it’s just as important to share the #unblessed days to remind each other that we’re not alone in this journey. We all have our go-to quick meals, like boxed mac and cheese, and we shouldn’t shy away from sharing those realities.
So here’s to all the resilient parents who pick themselves up day after day, often with a smile hiding a multitude of emotions. As Mia puts it, “You’re my people.”
If you’re interested in more insights about parenting and home insemination, you can check out this blog post on intracervicalinsemination.com. Also, for an in-depth look at at-home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom. For further resources on pregnancy and home insemination, Rmany is a fantastic guide.
In summary, being a parent is a mix of joy and challenges that often goes unspoken due to social media pressures. It’s crucial to create a space where parents can share their truths without fear of judgment.