For the Tired Mom
Let’s just admit it. We all have our moments. Motherhood brings joy like nothing else on planet earth, but along with the cooing and cuddles comes tantrums and night terrors. As the little dumplings grow, there’s back talk, eye rolling, and the occasional huff and puff that has to be wrangled and set on the right path. It’s hard work being a mom. Truly, it’s exhausting!
I’ll be the first to confess I take perfectly normal days and make complete motherhood messes that I would rather forget. I start out with really good intentions. I get up early, drink enough coffee to give even the most exhausted elephant energy, and I convince myself that I’m going to be upbeat, fun, and pleasant. By the time breakfast is on the table, I’m barking out orders.
“One bite at a time!”
“Don’t spill your milk.”
“Chew with your mouth closed.”
“No smacking!”
With each command, my back gets straighter, my jaw gets tighter and I can literally feel the irritation crawling up my spine. Thankfully, this doesn’t happen every day, but when I really let my hair down I’m sure I look like the incredible hulk on steroids.
It takes a lot to get my mind, attitude, and actions on track each day. I don’t wake up like Mary Poppins, although I would like to think I do. If I could snap my fingers and make the house sparkle maybe I would be a bit more “fun” like her, but I don’t measure up no matter how many times I sing “A Spoon Full of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down.”
What does a tired woman do when the day in day out of life makes irritation rise at the first sound of her name being hollered by a child from the bathroom?
“Mom! Come wipe me!”
Truly I am so thankful for the amazing gifts of God that live under my roof, but motherhood has brought a completely new challenge when it comes to my attitude.
So here’s a little encouragement for all the moms who have the occasional or daily attitude upheaval:
1. Smile. Yes, right now. You’re beautiful!
It’s amazing how rarely people smile anymore. Be one of the few that brighten the room especially in your own home. Your children will thank you and they will probably smile back.
A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed. Proverbs 15:13(ESV)
2. Breathe.
Seriously. Deep breaths do something to the brain. It just feels good to take a few slow deep breaths.
3. Be thankful.
Think of something or someone you can be thankful for today. Express your thankfulness through a text or kind written or spoken word.
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. I Thessalonians 5:18(ESV)
4. Tell someone about the good parts of motherhood.
It’s easy to discuss the potty problems, mommy wars, playground saga, and diaper dilemma. But what about the first moment you saw your precious peanut in the womb or felt tiny arms wrap around your neck? What about the sweet little I love yous after you totally acted like a crazy dragon? Motherhood is the most glorious of roles. It’s the only role where you can fail miserably and be completely encouraged and convicted by a two-year old all in one minute.
Be encouraged, Mom. You’re doing a good job! I know you’re tired. No matter what season of motherhood you are in right now, let’s all remember to smile, breathe, be thankful, and share the good parts of motherhood. I’ll go first. Today, I’m thankful for a 10-year-old who still sits in my lap, and likes to clean the toilet. Yes, you read that right, the toilet. Now, it’s your turn! Go!
Love & Blessings,
Micah
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For me, it was the days of the tight and tired throat — tension like a band around my vocal cords from all the “reminders” on top of home schooling lessons all day. I wish I could go back and take a deep breath, fill my lungs with Spirit air, and do some smiling!
What an encouragement to hear from someone who has been there and done that, Michele. I know that tension too well. And I know exactly about those homeschool days. I’m learning and praying that God will fill me with His Spirit so I’ll be able to breathe and smile. I know it’s what I need to do. I’m learning to find joy in the simple things, and not to worry so much about being perfect or producing perfectly educated children. I always love the wisdom you bring!
Thanks for the inspiration, Micah! We ALL have those days (or weeks… Lol). Today I’m grateful for toddler cuddles… Even if they come at 3 in morning. (Sheesh. Ear infection…) Blessings, Tasha :)
Oh Tasha! I’m so sorry to hear about the ear infection! Been there! Hope your little one gets better soon!!!
Thanks! Me too! I know he’ll be better soon. :)
Oh, how I wish I would have had your helpful suggestions when my children were young. There were days I didn’t think I’d make it through. But now that my children are grown, encouragement like this is priceless, and God uses it in timely ways. I’ll be sharing it today. It’s a joy to follow you at Holly’s today. Blessings!
Thank you for sharing, Julie! We all need the encouragement!
Micah, I always feel so uplifted when I hop over here. Thank you sooo much for these three easy tips. I especially loved: Smile. Yes, right now. You’re beautiful! – I smiled when I read that! :)
I woke up so completely tired – and I’m just not sure how I was going to make it through the day. Thanks for these reminders.
Blessings Friend!
Sarah :)
Sarah, I’m so glad you were encouraged! Smiling this morning as I read your comment :) Love & Blessings!
Oh yeah … I remember those days. But overtime the exhaustion fades and the memories worth savoring remain …
“The exhaustion fades” lol. I think it’s probably hard for some to even imagine that when exhaustion is all they can see, but knowing there is hope is encouraging, Linda. Thanks for chiming in! We all need to hear from those who have walked this path before! I hope you have a great day!
Thank you for your much-needed mommy encouragement! Some days are so hard.
Elizabeth, aren’t they ever! Whew! I had one of those days yesterday! You are super welcome! I hope you have a great day!
My 10 year old comes up to me occasionally, wraps her arms around me, and whispers thank you. Then she doesn’t let go for a few minutes. I love those times! :)
Love it, Sarah! Precious moments!
I’m thankful that the Lord answered my prayer today for favor with officials who are helping me take care of my elderly parents. I’m also thankful for the time my teenage son spent with me pulling weeds, going grocery shopping, and just having lots of conversation. :)
I find that if I can breathe deeply, stretch, and be thankful all at the same time, it is even more relaxing. And don’t we need all the help we can get! :)
Sounds like a good day! And yes we do! Blessings, Ruth!
My “little one” turns 25 next week, but I remember these feelings well. In spite of all, I still believe that being Meredith’s mom is the best job God ever gave me! God’s blessings to you and your precious family.
I love this. Children are such a blessing!
Micah, I loved this! My girls are grown now, but when those 3 grandkids come, OH MY GOSH! I’d totally forgotten how those littles completely waylay everything you think you’ll do. Your encouragement for young mamas is much needed! Parenting is the most important job around and the least appreciated. So glad you have this ministry. Can’t wait to meet at SheSpeaks!
Micah — LOVE your encouragement and I am happy to have found your blog. We have an empty nest at our house — three sons all grown up! I remember well the “tired days” raising our boys and how much I needed the words you have shared here today. Many Blessings! Visiting you from Susie Eller’s link up. xo
I especially appreciate #4: Tell someone the good parts. We can all take that advice, regardless of what season we are in life! I’m in empty nest, and there are SO many good parts–spending adult time with my daughters and talking real life is such a joy.
I find lowering my standards so helpful on days like that – let them watch a movie, it won’t kill them, and maybe I can snag a nap, which is usually what I really need (if all the caffeine will let me!).
I am on the opposite side of the parenting realm now, with kids in their mid 20’s. Seems like just yesterday they were babies. One of the things I try to remind young moms with is that these very-needy days will not last forever. They’re fleeting really. All too soon, the kids will be grown (or at least not so dependent), yet the mom will wish them to be little again.
Oh, and I truly believe that many moms feel exhausted and irritated with their children’s neediness because they are spending too much time on the internet. They resent reading a book to a child or putting out a temper tantrum because they would rather be busy on Facebook or Instagram.
I am thankful social media sites weren’t around when my kids were little, because I know they would have sucked me in.
Blessings,
Patti @ Embracing Home
Oh Patti, your words are so true! Even since my first was born 10 years ago there is such a difference. It’s crazy how our digital world is stealing from what’s real and what’s important. Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom!