For some of us, it’s something that we’ve dreamed about as little girls. Playing house, deciding who would be the mother, father, and who would be the children. It was so beautiful, pure, and innocent. Women have been having children for centuries. When we look at the genealogy in the Bible, it was typical for women to have five or more children. Having larger families was a sign of fruitfulness and abundance. So why is Motherhood so HARD? We were created to do this. Right? Maybe they knew something we don’t.
This post isn’t a nagging laundry list of all the reasons why Motherhood is HARD.
What this post will do is provide you with a mindset shift or maybe that aha moment. A different perspective to view motherhood and a reference for the different seasons in your motherhood journey.
This post is all about Why Motherhood is HARD.
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." PSALMS 32:8
The moment that we come to God and surrender our raw emotions, he will meet us in the moment and counsel us. He will comfort you.
On this particular day, it was one of those days. You know the feeling overwhelmed with all things motherhood and homemaking, that kind of day. Also staying up late the night before surely didn’t make it any better.
Fast forward, it’s nap time, and I can now sit in my emotions without suppressing them for the sake of keeping it together in front of my son.
I let it out, tears and honesty. I didn’t have it in me to “pray” and call off scriptures. I came to God raw and vulnerable. If he called me a friend, then I should be able to talk to him as such.
The Lord began to speak to me. The reason why motherhood is hard at times is because…
“Every season of your child’s life requires a new mother, a new you.”
Can you say AN aha moment!
You’ve spent your entire life getting to know yourself -it’s like riding a bike. Right? When becoming a mother you’re stretched in so many ways, more than you can count; at such a rapid pace which is the discomfort we’re feeling. We’re exposed to things we didn’t know we needed or had an issue with.
Motherhood exposes your weak points, your trigger points.
Oh, you need to grow in the patience department? Oh, a toddler will help you do just that. haha
So, as fast as they’re growing and changing, the stretching, pruning, and growth taking is place within You. And boy! It doesn’t feel good at times.
In the thick of it, it was anything but funny but in hindsight you’ll be able to see the beauty in the struggle that made you better.
Each season of Motherhood requires a new mother, especially when you’re a first-time mama; it seems like your whole world is turned upside down. Yet I can see how no matter if you are a first-time, second, or fifth-time mama, we may all ask the question why motherhood is hard?
The Seasons of Motherhood and What’s Required
Newborn | Infancy (Birth – 1 year)
The Newborn and Infancy season of motherhood; required a Fully Surrender and Selfless mama. If you’re already a mother, then you already understand how selfless the first year requires you to be. Countless diaper changes. Sleepless nights, feeding, washing bottles, etc. Just making sure that this little person has everything just right requires a lot of your time.
Toddlerhood (12-36 months)
The toddlerhood season of motherhood requires a more Patient, Lenient mama.
Letting Go of Some of The Rules
According to a Parents article, During this time your child is trying to foster his independence, so a strict set of guidelines will only result in a power struggle, says Dr. Gwenn Schurgin O’Keeffe of Boston.” Continue Reading.
Preschool (3-6 yr. old)
At this stage, they’re coming into themselves while developing their personalities. This may require a grace-giving mama because after all at this age they “know” how to do everything and “no longer” need your help. (Insert mom shaking her head), with the thought of “I told you so”. hehe. Just as we ask God to give us the grace to make mistakes, they need the same.
School-age (6-12 yr. old)
This season of life may require an understanding and compassionate mama. Putting our way of thinking aside and hearing how they feel and what they have to say. And knowing parents aren’t always right.
Adolescent (12-18 yr. old)
A prayerful mama allows God to watch over them when they’re away with friends and entering adulthood.
I know parenting is much more complex than this. But hopefully a different way of thinking about mothering our children and why motherhood is hard. With this thought in mind, I’m beginning to think, what if life is all about serving others? Just a thought.
“Every season requires a new mama.”
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