Motherly’s 2025 State of Motherhod Report revealed something you may have felt in your bones long before seeing the numbers: Gen Z moms report the lowest confidence in their parenting, and many say they feel ungrounded, uncertain, or like the rest of their life has not fully caught up to the weight of motherhood. If that sounds familiar, you are far from alone.

But here’s another truth: Your lower confidence does not mean you are doing anything wrong. It simply reflects the stage of life you are in. You are becoming a mother at the same time you are still building your career, your community, your routines, your identity, and your support system. That is a lot to carry, and it makes perfect sense that you sometimes feel like you are still figuring things out.

The key is keeping the information (and the overwhelm) in context. And when you look closely, the picture is incredibly human, deeply relatable, and full of reasons to feel hopeful about where you are headed.

Related: “Moms are surviving, not thriving”: What the 2025 State of Motherhood Survey reveals

The hidden story behind Gen Z moms’ confidence

Gen Z mothers are at a life stage where everything is still being built. Careers, relationships, childcare arrangements, financial stability, identity, and community are all in motion. Older generations of mothers often had more established routines and support networks before welcoming a child. Gen Z moms are building those foundations and raising a baby at the same time. Think of it like building the plane while you’re flying it. You’re keeping things afloat, but it might feel like you can only think as far as the next decision.

This year’s Motherly survey shows that many Gen Z moms feel ungrounded. They are more likely to have unstable or gig-based work, smaller social support networks, lower household income, and less access to childcare. They may also be parenting in newer relationships or navigating motherhood before other parts of their life have settled. When everything around you is shifting, confidence naturally wavers.

Research supports this. Studies show that maternal confidence is closely linked to social support, emotional stability, and predictable routines. When those pieces are still in formation, self-doubt will rise. Another study found that in first-time mothers at six weeks postpartum, greater social support was correlated with higher confidence and lower postnatal depressive symptoms. In other words, the structure is what’s failing, not Gen Z moms.

Related: The U.S. childcare crisis led me to change my career and lean into the village around me

Gen Z moms are not failing. They are early in the journey.

So when a Gen Z mother whispers, “I don’t know what I’m doing yet,” she is not alone. She is describing the very normal experience of becoming a parent without a fully built life foundation beneath her.

This is why the lowered confidence makes sense. It does not reflect ability. It reflects timing. And it speaks to a generation of mothers who are incredibly self-aware. They are naming what they need: grounding, stability, community, identity, clarity, and support.

They are also the generation most likely to speak openly about mental health, which is a strength. Research shows that mothers who recognize and seek support for their emotional needs fare better in the long term. They adapt more quickly and build confidence at a steadier pace.

Related: Gen Z is more likely to call in sick than Gen Xers due to mental health crisis

What Gen Z moms need most right now

Motherly’s survey suggests several emotional needs that would help Gen Z mothers feel more anchored. When these needs are met, confidence rises, stress lowers, and mothers feel more capable.

Here are some of the most impactful supports, along with small, actionable steps that meet Gen Z moms where they are.

1. Validation and grounding

Gen Z mothers need to hear what is true. You are not behind. You are not failing. You are new. Confidence grows from repetition and stability, not instant perfection.

Try:
• Repeat a grounding phrase: “I am learning. My child is learning. We will grow together.”
• Choose one predictable daily rhythm, even something tiny like morning cuddles or a short walk.

2. Small, simple steps for stability

Since so much of life is still settling, routines do not need to be complex. Even micro-habits create real emotional steadiness.

Try:
• Five minute resets: a stretch, a quick tidy of one surface, or a brief breathing exercise.
• A weekly “anchor”: grocery pick up on the same day, laundry on Sundays, or a regular nap schedule (often easier said than done with a little one).

3. Community and identity building

Smaller support networks are one of the biggest confidence barriers for Gen Z mothers. Even a single connection can change the emotional landscape.

Research shows that peer support improves maternal mood, confidence, and resilience. Even one trusted friend or group reduces loneliness.

Try:

  • Join one online or in-person mom group.
  • Start a “text thread of three” that checks in every few days.
  • Ask one person, “Can we trade help this week?”

Related: It takes a village… but who should be in yours?

4. Mental health support

Gen Z moms are more likely to experience anxiety and financial stress. Digital mental health tools are highly effective for this generation. A meta-analysis found that digital perinatal interventions can reduce depression and anxiety symptoms.

Try:

  • Use mental health apps like meditation, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) tools, or guided breathing.
  • Call or text a perinatal support line when things feel heavy.
  • Ask a trusted person to help you look for sliding scale therapy options.

5. Affordable childcare hacks

With childcare less accessible for Gen Z parents, creative solutions matter.

Try:

  • Babysitting co-ops with friends or neighbors.
  • Local community centers with drop-in care or low-cost programs.
  • Asking family or friends for one regular hour each week that you can count on.

Related: Millennials and Gen Z are feeling ‘parental milestone anxiety’, a psychologist shares

Gen Z Moms Are Building Motherhood While Building Themselves

Gen Z mothers are navigating a unique season. They are building their lives and routines at the same time they are learning to parent. This takes courage and creativity. It also means confidence will rise slower at first, then build steadily over time.

The reason Gen Z mothers feel less confident is not because they are less capable. It is because they are laying foundations on every side of their life at once. And that takes time.

The truth is simple: Gen Z moms are not behind. They are in the beginning stages of a journey that will grow stronger, clearer, and more grounded with each passing year. And they deserve support, grace, and community every step of the way.

Related: How 9 small money shifts can reduce financial stress for moms