Motherly Stories - Essays About Being A Mom - Motherly
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Motherly Stories

Motherhood changes us. Celebrate the ups and downs with these honest, insightful essays about becoming—and being—a mom.

family baking for christmas in the kitchen, in defense of a messy house

We’re going to have a messy house this holiday season–and I’m not sorry about it

I only get this season, with my children at this stage of life, once.

Updated Oct. 31, 2022
siblings playing in tent showing what it's like having a sibling with down syndrome

My daughter has Down syndrome, and her siblings are better for it

One of the pervasive myths surrounding having a child with Down syndrome is that she will be a burden on the rest of the family.

Updated Mar. 19, 2024
american soldier reuniting with his military wife and daughter

I’m a military wife and my husband works long hours away from home—here’s how we manage

While working and financially providing for our family is a huge priority, raising our chil in a healthy, caring and affectionate environment is even more important. 

Updated Jan. 27, 2023
mom holding daughter's face in her hands smiling, showing importance of why parents should let kids fail

I want my kids to fail

I hope that they learn that stumbles are an important part of life.

Updated Jan. 17, 2023
introverted child at school doing arts and crafts with other kids

Here’s how to help your introverted child make friends at school

In a world that invariably encourages and appreciates extroversion, being an introvert can be hard. As a child, this may be even harder.

Updated Nov. 03, 2022
Collage of TikTok videos re: crying babies on airplanes

TikTok videos asking for kid-free flights don’t help anyone

Feeling stressed when there is a baby crying on an airplane is normal. How you react to those feelings is what matters.

Updated Oct. 28, 2022
mom and kid on a bridge in venice italy, international travel with kids

I travel internationally with my kids because it provides lifelong benefits 

It doesn’t matter whether our kids remember or appreciate these travel adventures.

Updated Oct. 26, 2022
babys hands on moms belly with stretchmarks - essay on the invisibility of motherhood

This is the ‘invisibility of motherhood’—and it starts long before actually having kids

Ask any number of mothers their thoughts on motherhood, and many of them will tell you the same thing: I feel invisible since becoming a mom. I just want to be seen and heard.

Updated Jan. 17, 2023
mom hugging a little boy -how to explain a miscarriage to a child

How I told my toddler about my miscarriage and memorialized the loss together

If you told your child about your pregnancy, they knew you had babies in your tummy or you’re visibly sad, you may consider telling them about your pregnancy loss. 

Updated Jan. 17, 2023
mom enjoying a child's joy

How to incorporate joy into your child’s daily routine

The willingness to approach your child’s needs in a way that allows them to grow and thrive can make most mundane days start and end with a smile.  

Updated Jan. 17, 2023
multitasking mom working and playing with her son

I was proud of my multitasking—until I realized the damage it was doing to my life

That badge of honor I wore somehow now is replaced by a feeling that my ability to do multiple things at once prevents me from doing any one thing very well. 

Updated Nov. 29, 2022
mom holding baby on her chest - essay on self-compassion for mothers

Why I prioritize self-compassion as a new mom

"Before becoming a mother, I thought motherhood was unconditional love, sacrifice and unwavering support. While all of that is still true, since becoming a mother, I have learned that motherhood also requires a commitment to self-compassion."

Updated Jan. 17, 2023
youth sports team huddling up, working against toxic sports culture

We need to talk about how toxic youth sports culture has become

My son will know he’s loved despite his athletic abilities. He will be reminded that sports should be fun and not anxiety producing.

Updated Oct. 26, 2022
mom caressing her son wondering when does parenting get less exhausting

When does parenting get less exhausting?

I promise you this: Those sleepless nights won't last forever.

Updated Jan. 17, 2023
teens trick or treating on halloween

I’m going to let my teens trick or treat for as long as they want to

If my kids can hold onto the youthfulness of Halloween like I did, I’ll be promoting their involvement every step of the way.

Updated Oct. 26, 2022
child free woman on beach playing frisbee with dog

15 reasons why it isn’t ‘selfish’ for me to not want a child right now

It’s important to know what you want and to not sacrifice your own wants and needs for the sake of peer pressure (or the sake of giving your parents grandkids!)

Updated Oct. 14, 2022
mom reading a book with kids surrounding her - essay on mom brain is real

It’s OK to be ‘that’ mom

The mom that actually lets her kid decorate their pumpkin project for school with glitter and glue instead of “Pinterest-ing” a cute Disney character and doing it for them. 

Updated Oct. 25, 2022
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