When Motherhood Gets Difficult, Don’t Hide Your Struggles

Many people believe parenthood is a natural process. While it can be frustrating and tiring, it’s widely believed that becoming a parent is something we take to easily. However, for many mothers around the globe, being a mom is incredibly hard, takes a lot of practice, and some days you feel no good at it at all. 

A bit of self care helps here and there, but when motherhood feels like an unending struggle where exhausting battles are fought on a daily basis, you’re going to need a bit more help than that. 

And remember, there’s absolutely no shame in needing to reach out. Being a mother is one of the hardest jobs in the world, and when we feel alone in trying to navigate raising a child, the struggles we face become ten times harder.

Never Pay Attention to Unsolicited Opinions

If you feel like you’re being shamed for your parenting choices, double check whether or not the opinions you’re receiving are coming from those you’ve specifically asked for advice. If they haven’t, as is often the case in the world of online forums and social media, discount any advice or criticism levied your way. 

Instead, only focus on the words and actions of the people you have turned to. These are more likely to be close family members and friends – people who know and love you – and their advice is going to be much more helpful because of it. 

It’s perfectly OK to reach out when you need a bit of help, but never ever let that decision become one that’s bad for you. 

Build a Support Network Full of Other Moms

Other moms know what you’re going through. If you feel like you’re alone in a sea of motherhood, build a support network that’s filled with understanding and empathy. 

Other moms can be our greatest allies when the going gets tough, even if you’ve never met them before, and they’ll understand where you’re coming from when you talk about the complicated feelings that arise from being a mother. 

Talk to a Therapist

The postpartum period can last for years. It’s not just the few months after giving birth when your hormones are out of whack and your body feels a bit like a stranger. Many people experience that typical postpartum feeling for around two years after giving birth, and some people can experience it for decades. 

If you’re in this camp, do the right thing for you and reach out to a postpartum therapist. Talking to someone who specializes in this crucial period in both a mother and baby’s life can make all the difference in your recovery. 

Sometimes we need medical support after having a child, and sometimes that support needs to be ongoing. The most important and responsible thing to do is to reach out to a service that can provide this kind of support for you. 

Motherhood is difficult. Don’t let the shame of struggling with parenting hold you back. 

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Jodi Carlson is a mother of 2 children, wife, and a full time product owner at a large Insurance company. She is a mom just trying to juggle a full-time job with a family life. She shares countless tips and tricks of things she has experienced first hand with her kids. As she continues to guide and teach them to become caring, sensible and responsible human beings, all while working a full time job, maintaining a home and some how still allowing for some personal time and growth. Are you a Girl Scout Leader? Along with Mom Connecting Moms, she shares her 25+ years of Girl Scout experience over at Leader Connecting Leaders , there she shares ideas and resources to help leaders who are inspiring girl leaders of tomorrow plan their troop meetings. Check out Leader Connecting Leaders .