5 Truths Tired Moms Need to Hear

You’re Doing Amazing

Dear Tired Mom,

I see you.

I see you rocking your baby at 3 AM, your eyelids heavy but your arms still holding tight. I see you packing lunches with one hand while answering work emails with the other. I see you hiding in the bathroom for a quiet minute, only to hear little fingers tapping at the door.

I see the way you worry—Am I doing enough? Loving enough? Teaching enough?— You carry that weight even when no one notices.

But here’s the truth, sweet mama: You are doing better than you think.

1. The “Perfect Mom” Doesn’t Exist (And That’s Okay)

Let’s silence that inner critic for a moment. You know the voice that whispers, “You should be more patient. More organized. More… everything.”

But here’s a secret: Your child doesn’t need perfect. They need you—exactly as you are.

• The messy kitchen? They’ll remember the cookies you baked together.
• The laundry pile? They’ll remember the forts you built with those unfolded clothes.
• The days you lost your temper? They’ll remember how you apologized and hugged them tight.

Affirmation for you: “You weren’t meant to be flawless. You were meant to be theirs.”

2. The Invisible Work That Matters Most

Motherhood is made up of a million tiny, unseen acts of love:

• The way you kiss scraped knees and somehow make them better.
• The way you remember their favorite stuffed animal on every grocery trip.
• The way you listen to their endless stories about dinosaurs or princesses, even when your brain is fried.

Remember this: One day, they won’t recall the Pinterest-worthy birthday parties or the spotless floors. They’ll remember how you made them feel—safe, loved, and cherished.

3. You Are Stronger Than You Feel

Some days, just getting out of bed feels like a victory. And you know what? That’s okay.

• Survived a tantrum in the Target checkout line? You’re a warrior.
• Managed to shower AND brush your teeth today? Celebrate it.
• Cried in the car after dropping them off at school? You’re not alone.

Journal prompt: Write down one thing you did today that mattered—even if it felt small. (Example: “I hugged my teen even when they rolled their eyes.”)

4. A Permission Slip for You

You are allowed to:

• Rest without guilt. (Yes, even if the dishes are piled high.)
• Ask for help. (Call the babysitter. Text a friend. Order takeout.)
• Celebrate tiny wins. (Made it through the day? Gold star, mama.)

Affirmation: “You are allowed to be both exhausted and extraordinary .”

5. What Your Child Sees (That You Don’t)

To you, it might feel like another ordinary day. But to them? You are magic.

• They see the way your smile lights up the room.
• They hear the lullabies you sing off-key and think it’s the most beautiful sound.
• They believe, with their whole heart, that you can fix anything—even broken toys and broken hearts.

Quote to hold onto: “To your child, you are the entire sky.”

Closing: A Promise to You

So tonight, when you finally sit down (or collapse) after another day of wild, beautiful, exhausting love—know this:

You are enough.
You are loved.
You are doing better than you think.

And if no one has told you today, I’m so proud of you.

With love,
[Debbie Doyle]

Joyful Living at Home

P.S. Drop a comment below with your “small win” this week—let’s celebrate each other! 💛