To the mom who feels like no one notices
Dear mama,
The work of parenting is hard, and still we show up and give our kids the best of ourselves every day – no matter if we’re bone tired, battling a cold, or just in the mood to sit on the couch with a bag of Doritos and watch reality TV all day.
But instead, we wipe noses, we read “just one more book,” we help with science fair projects.
We worry about how to get them to eat more veggies, we (gently!) clean knee scrapes, we answer “why” a gabazillion times a day.
We play “I Spy” in the car, we make doctor and dentist appointments, we tuck them in at night again and again (and again).
We do all this and so much more.
And we don’t need much in return. We’re fueled mainly by hugs and an occasional “Thanks, Mom.”
But I see you.
I know you’re doing your best.
Even if you slip up and yell once in a while. Even if you can’t always find the time to play with your kids. Even if you go to bed every night with a sink full of dirty dishes.
You’re trying to raise kind, responsible kids who will grow into well-rounded, happy adults, and sometimes that just doesn’t leave time for doing the dishes.
On Mother’s Day, you might not get the perfect gift. You might not get breakfast in bed. You might not even get a break from any of the countless things you do for your family day in and day out.
And so I wish I could stop by with a pan of lasagna to save you from cooking dinner one night this week – or maybe a batch of fresh chocolate chip cookies if your sweet tooth is as fierce as mine.
I would pull up a chair at your kitchen table, and we could trade stories about tantrums and bedtime stalling and sibling scuffles. And in this perfect world, we’d both have piping hot coffees, and our kids would entertain each other without screaming so we could have a real live adult conversation for once.
I can’t do that, but I can say this.
During the daily grind of motherhood, it’s easy to lose sight of the contribution you’re making to the universe.
You’re putting everything you have into raising kids who will do good things in this crazy world of ours.
Even if no one else says thank you on Mother’s Day, I want to share my gratitude right now, mother to mother.
Thank you for all you do.
Thank you for staying calm during their tantrums – and for forgiving yourself when you get caught up in the storm.
Thank you for raising them to help with chores – even when you’re tired of asking for help.
Thank you for teaching them how to talk through sibling fights – even when you’re sick of hearing about it.
Thank you for helping with their math homework – even when you don’t feel confident about how to do it yourself.
Thank you for saying “no” when they want a phone – even when they beg.
Thank you for getting down on the floor, creaking knees and all, and playing LEGOs or dolls or pretend restaurant – even when you have a to-do list a mile long.
Thank you for hugging them and saying “I love you no matter what” – even when you’re sad, frustrated, or angry.
Related: How to Stop Being an Angry Mom Now…Using 5 Hair Ties {Printable}
On Sunday, remember this.
In all those small moments and so many more, you are doing the boots-on-the-ground work of making the world a better place.
So if your kiddos deliver a “breakfast in bed” on Sunday that consists of soggy toast and lukewarm coffee?
You can smile knowing that just like you and me, they’re doing their best and they don’t always get it perfect.
But that gesture from your kids, no matter how small or how imperfect, is an undeniable sign of the breathtakingly beautiful contribution you’re making to the universe.
On Monday, Mother’s Day will be over, and odds are no one will be bringing you flowers or encouraging you to take a nap.
But still, your world-changing work will go on.
I see you.
I thank you.
The universe thanks you.
“Your greatest contribution to the universe may not be something you do, but someone you raise.”
Author unknown
Before you go, get my FREE cheat sheet: 75 Positive Phrases Every Child Needs to Hear
Your Turn
What would you add to this Mother’s Day message for your fellow moms? Share in a comment below!
Happy mother’s day to all moms around the world. You are all amazing. Thank you for being the best parent that you can be.
Such an uplifting and important read for all mothers to come across. Putting everything you have into something, no matter how rewarding, can come with it’s moments of “Really?” So helpful to have that gentle nudge of a reminder, that our kiddos are just like us, they’re human and they’re trying.
I definitely needed to read this today, THANK YOU! You are so right! We work so hard 24/7 giving our best to our children and families, often times without the recognition we deserve. But it’s what fills us with joy and purpose, and when mothers uplift other mothers and praise each other, it means so much because we’ve all been there and know what it takes. Even when we are at our wits end, we always have 1 more hug or smile to give to our loved ones. Thank you for reminding me that even though I am not getting showered with flowers and thank you’s And praise every day, I am still doing my best and it will come To fruition.
Happy Mother’s Day!
It’s such an inspiring message to all mothers like me. Parenting may not be an easy as pie but it’s all worth it. Good to read this message all over again. Thank you!
Thank you, I really needed this. Hugs to all the moms out there.
I would like to say to all the fathers…no she is not your mother, but she is the mother of your child(ren), make her day special.
Thanks for your support and words of encouragement and understanding. I wish I was a better parent. I am a perfectionist and often struggle trying to get EVERYTHING done. I always feel guilty that I don’t spend as much quality time with my 2 darling girls as I ought to. But trying to find that balance of getting everything done and spending quality time with my girls is hard. I don’t want to be a crotchety Mum losing her temper and getting frustrated whilst trying to make it all happen. Our children are only babies for a very short time, we need to embrace that time. So if anyone else is struggling like me, know your not alone. We should support each other. So enjoy your day whatever you do and know we are all in it together
When you’re exhausted and had enough for the day. When your 4 year old tests you beyond belief… the reward is their arms around you like the most precious jewellery and a heart melting ” I love you, Mummy” makes it all worthwhile.
Just remember this is a moment in time and you’re gonna miss this one day. Cherish the little moments in time. Take a minute to be in the moment. Smell your little ones hair, touch their beautiful skin, feel the love of the moment. You’re gonna miss this.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the exhausted, late, messy bun, kid songs on repeat, and amazing mommas out there. You got this! I don’t think they know how much we really need them. Raise kind humans ??
I’m reading this at 5 in the morning, it made me cry. I’m going to get 5 elasticated ties ready to start today. Thank you Kelly