Being a mom is like turning up the volume on your emotions. I feel love, joy, and gratitude like never before during countless sweet moments with my kiddos. I also feel overwhelmed, anxious, and inadequate on a daily basis. I hear similar experiences from so many other moms, that I can’t help but wonder, why is it that we all feel this way?
Part of the answer is biological. Being tuned into emotions and nonverbal communication, being vigilant against potential dangers, and being part of a larger group have been essential for survival throughout human history. These deeply ingrained instincts are close to the surface when we become parents, as seen in research into the physical changes that occur during this time.
Our personal history plays a role as well. There’s something about having a child of your own that forces you to come face to face with whatever unhealthy relationship patterns you grew up with. We all want something better for our children, which can be a powerful motivator for personal growth, but that also involves a lot of hard work on our part.
One other factor that I see all the time is the conflicting cultural messages we absorb about being a mom. We are expected to be superheroes, effortlessly going above and beyond. We are expected to continue on with our normal life as if we never had a child. We are expected to be constantly busy with household and family responsibilities. We are expected to be fulfilled by our children and “enjoy every moment”. We are expected to survive off of coffee, wine, our kids’ leftovers, and “self-care” that consists of doing normal human tasks by ourselves. We are expected to work like we don’t have kids and parent like we don’t have a job. No wonder we are exhausted and frustrated and angry.
For me, diving deep into the “why” is fascinating, validating, and essential for change. The biological, personal, and cultural factors are present for all of us, but they interact and play out differently for each individual. Teasing apart these different threads and using them to move towards a better experience for myself, my family, and the motherhood culture in general is why I created the Untangling Motherhood course. I’m bringing together the why and the how, personal growth and community connections, for moms of all ages who feel that there has to be something more to this.
If you’ve ever asked yourself
- Why is it so hard to make mom friends?
- Why don’t I ever feel like a good enough mom?
- Why did no one tell me how hard this was going to be?
- What is wrong with me?
Join us in Untangling Motherhood to find out. You’re not alone.
Register by May 12 and use coupon code MOTHERSDAY for half off this session only.
Infant Concierge 