“I Hate Being a Mom” – 50 Uplifting Quotes

“I am Lou and I hate being a mom.”

“Hey Lou, welcome to Moms Anonymous.”

You may want to replace Lou with your name if you’re in her shoes. Here’s a safe space for you to vent and feel understood. Welcome to Moms Anonymous, where you can find solace and support.

Feel free to grab a soda and replenish your energy, because as you read this specially written article for you, Mom, you’ll find nods of affirmation and exclamations of “so true” along the way.

It’s undeniably challenging to try to fulfill everyone’s expectations—the pressure to be an expert on motherhood and parenting, the portrayal of motherhood as perfection in books, and the demands placed upon you by society.

However, as time passes, you’ve come to realize that being a mom isn’t a static picture; it’s a unique and evolving story for each individual. You’ve learned that motherhood can push you to your limits and completely upend your life.

So, yes, Mom, it’s perfectly normal and understandable for you to vocalize, “I hate being a mom.” Your feelings are valid, and you are completely sane and entitled to express them.

The Initial Joys of Being a New Mom

Can you remember the vivid memories of your first, second, or third trimester? The whirlwind of emotions that swept over you, leaving you feeling elated and privileged to bring new life into this world?

Do you recall the tender moments when you sang lovingly to your baby bump, envisioning the future with matching outfits for a delightful 4th of July celebration if your little one turned out to be a girl? I’m certain those memories hold a special place in your heart.

And then, the magical moment arrived—the first cry of your baby. The overwhelming rush of love and joy that flooded your being made you feel like the luckiest person alive. Yet, now you find yourself grappling with conflicting emotions, wondering why the opposite seems to be true at times.

These feelings are complex and completely normal. Motherhood is a journey that encompasses a wide range of emotions, both positive and challenging. It’s essential to remember that experiencing moments of doubt or mixed emotions doesn’t diminish the love and joy you have for your child. It’s a testament to the depth and complexity of your role as a mother.

How did I get here? (Some Reasons Why You Hate Being a Mom).

The weight of responsibility

Motherhood stands in stark contrast to the carefree days of being single. As a girl, your concerns revolved around your skin, the boy next door, and high school drama. College brought its worries, but they pale in comparison to the complete responsibility of nurturing another human being.

Being a mom means that your child’s needs occupy your thoughts constantly, often taking precedence over your own. You must make decisions on their behalf and strive to set a positive example in everything you do.

Child tantrums

Children frequently express their frustration through tantrums—emotional outbursts that involve wailing and aggressive behavior. I’ve heard many mothers share stories of public tantrums, and I understand how challenging they can be. It can be distressing trying to decipher your child’s needs at that moment and find a way to address them to quell the tantrum.

Constantly experiencing change

Raising a child is a journey of constant adaptation and growth. Your child evolves, and you must adapt alongside them. Being a mom requires an understanding of the different stages of growth and a tremendous amount of patience—a virtue that is not easily cultivated. It can feel like moving homes every year—a task that is undoubtedly challenging and overwhelming.

Fatigue and burnout

Who enjoys stress? Nobody does. The role of a mom is demanding, often leaving you feeling drained. You are constantly on the move, ensuring your child’s safety, chasing after them to prevent accidents, and tending to their needs day and night, especially during the newborn phase. It can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, pushing you to the brink of burnout.

Expenses

The financial burden of providing for a child is substantial. Paying bills becomes a significant concern as you must account for your child’s needs as well. The thought of diapers, baby food, clothing, and other essential items can make you yearn for a break from the responsibilities of motherhood. You may find yourself juggling multiple jobs just to secure extra income, further adding to the challenges and strain you experience.

It’s important to acknowledge the difficulties and frustrations that can come with being a mom. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and even to question your role at times. Remember, you’re not alone in these feelings, and seeking support from loved ones and finding moments of self-care can help alleviate some of the challenges and provide a much-needed respite.

Is Postpartum Depression Making You Hate Being a Mom?

If you’re a new mom, you’re likely aware of the challenges that come with adjusting to life after pregnancy and childbirth. For some new mothers, this transition can be accompanied by postpartum depression, a condition that affects their mental and emotional well-being.

Postpartum depression manifests as mood swings, anxiety, crying, loss of appetite, and feelings of inadequacy. Additionally, there are two other forms of postpartum depression: baby blues and postpartum psychosis.

Baby blues are a milder form of postpartum depression that affects a larger percentage of new mothers. Symptoms include anxiety, crying, and unhappiness. However, baby blues typically last for only a few days or weeks, whereas postpartum depression can persist for months.

Postpartum psychosis, while rare, is an extreme version of postpartum depression. Symptoms include insomnia, fear, and delusions related to the child. It is a severe condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Additionally

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms as a new mother, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and seeking help is crucial. Discussing these symptoms with your healthcare provider will allow you to receive the appropriate treatment and support to start feeling better.

Now, if you’ve been a mom for quite some time, you may relate to a condition known as “Depleted Mother Syndrome” or DMS. Coined by Drs. Rick Hanson, Jan Hanson, and Ricki Pollycove, this syndrome refers to feeling overwhelmed due to the constant pressures of parenting without adequate resources to manage them. It can manifest in physical, mental, and emotional symptoms.

If you find yourself constantly on edge and emotionally sensitive, it may be a sign of experiencing DMS. It’s important to address this condition by identifying your triggers and finding healthy ways to cope with them. Seeking professional help can provide valuable support, and taking care of your body through proper nutrition and regular exercise can contribute to overall well-being.

Remember, as a mother, it’s okay to feel overwhelmed or even frustrated at times. Seeking support, whether it’s from healthcare professionals, support groups, or loved ones, can make a significant difference in your journey as a mom.

What to Do When You Hate Being a Mom

During moments of frustration and questioning your feelings about motherhood, it’s natural to wonder, “Am I a bad mom because I hate being a mom?” The answer to that question is a resounding “no.” Feeling this way does not make you a bad mom or a bad person.

Loving your child is hard work, and accepting the responsibility of being a mom can be even harder. It’s a journey toward acceptance, and there will be fewer days when you hate being a mom.

Here are some suggestions for what to do when you’re struggling with these feelings:

1. Therapy: Seeking professional help and talking to a therapist can greatly alleviate the stress of parenting. Remember, therapy is nothing to be ashamed of. Be open and honest about your emotions and feelings during therapy sessions. Having a listening ear as a mom is invaluable.
2. Join support groups: Connecting with other moms in support groups can provide a supportive environment where you can share your problems without judgment. Being in the company of moms going through similar situations and struggles can be incredibly helpful. Look for local groups in your community, places of worship, or online on social media platforms.
3. Meditation: Take time to relax and calm your mind. Constantly being overwhelmed with thoughts and worries as a mom can be mentally draining. Find a quiet space, grab a mat, and create a peaceful atmosphere with scented candles or soothing music. Allow yourself to sit still and reflect, releasing negative energy.
4. Personal retreat: Occasionally, it’s important to take time for yourself and step away from your mom’s duties. Going for a walk alone or treating yourself to a movie can be rejuvenating. Remember that showing yourself self-love is essential to love your children well.
5. Reward and celebrate your wins: Feelings of inadequacy can sometimes stem from imposter syndrome, especially when comparing yourself to other moms. Avoid comparing yourself to others and instead acknowledge your accomplishments. Remember that you have gone through the hardships of pregnancy, labor, and sleepless nights for your child. Reward yourself and celebrate the small wins along the way.

On days when you feel overwhelmed or inadequate, remind yourself of your strengths and achievements as a mom. Embrace self-compassion and know that you are doing your best.

Daily Affirmations and Quotes for When You Hate Being a Mom

The final thing to do when you hate being a mom is to remind yourself with words that make you feel heard and understood. Here are 50 affirmations and quotes for when you hate being a mom:

Quotes

1. “You can be a mess and still be a good mom. We are allowed to be both.” – Katie Bingham Smith
2. “Being a mother is your greatest achievement in life. You can be anything else you want on the side, but at the end of the day, being someone’s mother is the best part of being a woman.” – Reese Witherspoon 
3. “I think being a mom is the hardest job in the world.” – Jennifer Nettles
4. “There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one.” – Jill Churchill
5. “Motherhood has taught me that being a woman isn’t all about being perfect, having it all together, and being able to do everything. Being a mom reminds me that I am human.” – Toni Hammer
6. “Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn’t know you had and dealing with fears you never knew existed.” – Linda Wooten
7. “You know when you have kids what will change? Everything. You. Your body, your sleep patterns, how you spend your time, where you go and what you do; but being a mom isn’t easy.” – Jennifer Nettles
8. “People don’t talk honestly about how difficult being a mom is and what things we sacrifice every day to be good moms.” – Jenni Ogden
9. “Having kids is like having homework every day for the rest of your life! It never ends however well you do today.” – Lisa Smith
10. “There is no greater good in all the world than motherhood. The influence of a mother in the lives of her children is beyond calculation.” – James E. Faust

Additionally

1. “Being a mother isn’t easy and being able to admit your weakness as a parent is one of the most important things you’ll ever do for your child.” – Katrina Alcorn
2. “Being a mother is an honor for all of us – even when it is hard and exhausting!” – Elizabeth Gilbert
3. “You will never be fully prepared for being a mom. It is just something that you have to do and figure out as you go along.” – Kim Kardashian
4. “In a child’s eyes, a mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent or filled with wrath, but she commands love either way. I am convinced that this is the greatest power in the universe.” – N.K. Jemisin
5. “Motherhood is near to divinity. It is the highest, holiest service to be assumed by mankind.” – Howard W. Hunter

Also,

1. “Motherhood is a process. Learn to love the process.” – Debra Gilbert Rosenberg
2. “Such a mysterious business, motherhood. How brave a woman must be to embark on it.” – M.L Stedman
3. “Successful mothers are not the ones that have never struggled. They are the ones that never give up, despite the struggles.” – Sharon Jaynes
4. “When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.” – Sophia Loren
5. “A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.” – Cardinal Mermillod
6. “I believe the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is.” – Oprah
7. “Motherhood is wonderful, but it’s also hard work. It’s the logistics more than anything. You discover you have reserves of energy you didn’t know you had.” – Deborah Mailman
8. “Mother is a verb. It’s something you do. Not just who you are.” – Cheryl Lacey Donovan
9. “I know how to do anything – I’m a mom.” – Roseanne Barr
10. “The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.” – W.R. Wallace

Affirmations

26. I know that it is hard, but I also know that I’m doing my best.
27. I am thankful for my children.
28. It’s okay for me to seek help when I am overwhelmed.
29. I don’t have to do everything by myself.
30. I don’t have to be society’s perfection; I just have to be the best mother to my kids.
31. I am a brave woman.
32. I am courageous for going on this journey of motherhood.
33. Even though motherhood isn’t easy, I’ll give my all to see it through for my children.
34. I am at peace with myself as a mom.
35. I choose to love myself.
36. I embrace my fears and flaws because they make me who I am.
37. I will take care of myself because I matter.
38. It is perfectly normal to hate being a mom, but I will not give up on loving my children and being there for them.
39. I love everything about my children—their strengths and weaknesses.
40. I am the best mother for my children and I refuse to compare myself with other moms.

More

26. I forgive myself for my failures in the past; I let go.
27. I’m doing my best as a mom, and that’s enough.
28. My mistakes as a mom don’t define me.
29. I will fight challenges and struggles to be the parent my child needs.
30. I am worthy of love as a human being.
31. I am proud of how far I have come on this journey of being a mom.
32. I will take time to listen to my children and learn to appreciate them.
33. I am not a bad mom because of how I feel now.
34. It is perfectly alright to take a break from my children.
35. I love my family.

After the Moms’ Anonymous Meeting and Understanding More About Why You Hate Being a Mom:

Hey Mom! I hope today’s session at Moms Anonymous provided you with a sense of understanding and support. I want you to know that you’re not alone on this journey, and others empathize with what you’re going through.

Remember, each day is an opportunity for growth and to be the best mom you can be. You have incredible strength within you, and I believe in your ability to face tomorrow with renewed determination and love for your children.

I’m rooting for you always!