Some weeks just seem to spiral out of control. I find myself in one of those challenging periods where nothing is progressing as it should. Tasks remain unfinished, unexpected costs are accumulating—like when my toddler accidentally spilled juice on my laptop while also managing to chip a tooth—and my family has been battling congestion and crankiness for over a week. While these may not be catastrophic issues, they are certainly enough to fray my nerves and leave me feeling overwhelmed.
I decided to share my struggles on social media: “I’m on the struggle bus this week, and it’s only Tuesday!” I made it clear that I wasn’t seeking advice but rather a sense of camaraderie. It’s comforting to know that others are navigating similar challenges, no matter how small they may seem.
I didn’t add any disclaimers about how much I adore my children because that goes without saying. Experiencing a tough week or seeking support doesn’t diminish our love for our kids. It doesn’t lessen their value in our lives or negate the weighty love we feel, which can sometimes feel like an elephant resting on our chest. It simply means we are experiencing a rough patch and need to share our burdens.
Motherhood is full of unpredictable moments—sometimes, chaos reigns supreme. When everything seems to mount, it can feel as though you are on the verge of a breakdown. External factors shake up your world, and just as you’re trying to manage it all, your toddler decides to leap into a pile of laundry, resulting in a minor injury while you’re simultaneously drying your coffee-soaked laptop and attending to your baby who needs to nurse again. And then your older child announces she’s “not feeling so good.”
That’s when I found myself slamming down the hair dryer, surveying the chaotic kitchen, and shouting—at no one in particular but almost everyone, “I just can’t do this right now!”
The truth was, I couldn’t handle it all in that moment. I couldn’t be the supermom that others envision. Some days I come close, but this was not one of them. I couldn’t comfort my crying toddler while nursing my baby and assessing my daughter’s needs. But calling in for a break wasn’t an option, so I had to prioritize. As mothers, we push through, even at our breaking points.
I scooped up my baby and rushed to my toddler after hearing a thud. Thankfully, he was okay, just needing some ice and a hug. I settled my oldest with a cold drink and a stack of picture books, latched the baby, and then let the tears flow. I felt utterly out of steam.
Later that evening, as I discussed the next day’s plans with my partner and expressed my need for some time to recharge, we paused at the sound of little feet pattering on the hardwood floors. We shared a smile, knowing our “little muffin”—the baby—was about to appear, wobbling toward us.
When he rounded the corner, arms raised and a smile on his tiny face, my heart caught in my throat. This moment, the sound of those little feet, might be fleeting. It’s my favorite sound, and suddenly, I felt that familiar weight in my chest again, filled with love for this remarkable little being. The frustrations from earlier seemed distant as I lifted him into my arms and felt his head rest against my neck.
Motherhood has a way of breaking you down and then piecing you back together again, time and again. I’d gladly trade a coffee-soaked laptop for more moments like these. We rally, we push through, and we let our children’s love reignite our spirits. We wake up each day ready to do it all over again because those tiny feet will come running down the hallway, calling us back to duty.
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In summary, motherhood is a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences, filled with both challenges and moments of pure joy. It’s a transformative journey where love prevails, and even on the toughest days, we find strength in our children’s embrace.