This post is about why motherhood is hard and how to make it easier.
Being a mom is hard, and it is not talked about enough.
In this post, I am getting real and sharing my experience with motherhood, why it is so hard, and realistic ways to make it easier.
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Why is motherhood so hard?
Motherhood is hard because you are responsible for another human’s survival and well-being while dealing with a lack of sleep, overstimulation, judgment from others, and much more.
Let’s dive deeper into the top reasons why motherhood is hard.
1. Lack of sleep
As a mom of two kids, my biggest struggle was always a lack of sleep (especially in the early days of motherhood). According to the Sleep Foundation, getting insufficient sleep increases irritability, anxiety, and depression. I felt all of the side effects of sleep deprivation when my children were infants and toddlers. I was exhausted all the time, and I felt like I couldn’t even function properly.
2. Overstimulation
Sensory overload is very real for moms. Being the go-to person every second of the day is mentally hard. The constant feeling of being needed, whether it’s for feeding, crying, cleaning, decision-making, or a hundred other things is draining. Now, add a lack of sleep and little time to unwind from it all, and it’s no wonder moms feel overstimulated.
3. Feeling unseen
Motherhood can make you feel invisible and underappreciated at times. Moms play an important role that requires a ton of attention, patience, and compassion, but all of the hard work can go unnoticed. Partners, family, or friends may not fully understand all that goes into being a mother, and this can cause moms to feel unseen and alone.
4. Opinions of others
The judgment and opinions of others can really weigh a person down. Once you become a mom, it feels as if everyone has an opinion on how you should raise your child and judge you for every decision you make. This can make you second-guess yourself and overthink everything you do.
5. Little free time
As a mother, you are constantly needed. You have little free time to unwind, relax, or even think at times. Having little time to yourself makes it hard to take care of yourself and do things that you enjoy.
Does motherhood get easier?
Motherhood does get easier over time, but it takes some patience, effort, and grace (for you and your child). Each stage of motherhood has challenges, but as your child gets older you get a little more sleep and they depend on you a little less.
How to make motherhood easier?
1. Stick to a routine
I live by routines. I follow a morning, noon, and night routine each day. Routines make it easier to plan out your day, get things done, and keep your kids on track.
[RELATED POST: THE BEST PRODUCTIVE MOM MORNING ROUTINE]
2. Prioritize self-care
Self-care can be as simple as going for a walk, enjoying your favorite tea, or stretching for 5 minutes before you start your day. Prioritizing small self-care acts and treating yourself as someone you love and care for can make a big difference.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Don’t feel like you have to do everything. Ask your partner for help, and teach your kids to help themselves. I recently taught my 9-year-old how to mop the floors and pack his lunch, so he can help out around the home when needed. Not only does this teach my son life skills and independence, but it also lessens my load.
4. Prepare for the next day each night
Mornings with kids are hectic, which is why I prepare as much as possible the night before. I prepare outfits, snacks, water bottles, and school lunches the night before. This helps my mornings run a whole lot smoother.
I also make a to-do list for the next day (before bed) so that I have a clear plan and don’t have to worry if I am forgetting to do something. Doing this has been a great help and makes me feel like I actually have my life together.
I use this daily planner notepad I found on Amazon to plan out each day. I love that it helps keep me organized and on track.
5. Forgive yourself
Being a mom is hard, and you will make some mistakes along the way. Beating yourself up for every mistake you make won’t make you feel any better. The best thing you can do is learn from it, apologize, and move forward.
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Motherhood is hard, but it does get easier with time. It is important to remember that you are not alone and you can do this!
This post was about why motherhood is hard and how to make it easier.
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