Recently, I finally had the chance to chat with my dear friend, an event that’s become increasingly rare in our busy mom lives. As you might relate, finding the time to connect with fellow moms is a true challenge. I’m a single mother to three energetic boys, while she is navigating the world of parenting an almost 2-year-old and expecting another little one soon. We may be separated by states, but somehow we manage to send each other those invisible signals of support, hoping we can feel each other’s vibes from afar.
During our chat, she reached out for advice on dealing with toddler tantrums. I couldn’t help but laugh—having survived the chaos of parenting, I know all too well the absurdity of it all. She described her son’s recent antics: throwing food, refusing to eat, and generally testing her patience at every turn. It’s the kind of behavior that sometimes makes you feel like you’re in an endless battle against a pint-sized adversary.
Before diving into any parenting tips, I started by validating her feelings. “Oh girl, I totally get it! This phase is tough! We adore them, but some days are just plain hard! Can we take a moment to appreciate daycare? What a lifesaver!” I shared my own experiences, those mornings when I dropped my boys off at daycare, gritting my teeth as I muttered “I love you” while secretly thanking the teachers for giving me a breather.
Our conversation turned to the ever-present mom guilt. I reassured her that she is doing an incredible job and emphasized the importance of grace—grace for our children, for ourselves, and for everyone we encounter on this wild journey of motherhood. Every day can feel like a steep learning curve, filled with challenges and unexpected hurdles. But through all of it, there’s an undeniable love that grows between us and our little ones.
While we did touch on handling those toddler tantrums, the crux of our discussion revolved around the necessity of having close girlfriends to lean on. Being a mom comes with a barrage of expectations and pressures that can leave us feeling overwhelmed and inadequate. We need those friends who have walked the path ahead of us or who are right there beside us, ready to lend a hand and say, “I understand. You’ve got this!”
Let’s be real—sometimes it can feel like we’re competing against an impossible ideal. Whether these feelings come from societal standards or our own inner critic, they can be relentless. Having mom friends who understand our struggles is crucial. We need a space to vent without judgment, to share a laugh, and to occasionally poke fun at our kids’ antics without guilt.
There’s something powerful about connecting with another mom who truly gets it. It goes beyond just swapping parenting hacks; it’s about the camaraderie and support we find in one another. It’s about being able to admit, “I lost it with my kid today,” and hearing back, “Thank goodness, me too!” We love our children fiercely, but let’s face it—some days are just tougher than others. That’s why having our friends by our side makes the journey a bit lighter.
If you find yourself without a close circle of mom friends, remember that you’re not alone. We’re all navigating this challenging yet rewarding journey together. Keep pushing forward, warrior moms! We’ve got this.
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