June 16, 2025

Why This Season of Motherhood Feels So Hard (And Why It Matters So Much)

Why This Season of Motherhood Feels So Hard (And Why It Matters So Much)

In our latest podcast episode, "#312 Ambitious Moms:  Big Dreams & Little Kids — Navigate the Toddler Years Without Losing Yourself”, we dive into the unseen challenges of parenting littles, and why leaning into the process of early childhood development is one of the most important investments you'll ever make.

The Exhaustion Is Real—But So Is the Opportunity

Have you ever felt like this stage of motherhood is just so hard—physically, mentally, and emotionally?

Like you're giving and giving... and yet wondering if you're doing any of it right?

If so, you're not alone.

And more importantly—this season matters more than you think.

It's easy to feel discouraged when you're constantly being interrupted, touched, needed, or clung to.

The days feel so long and your to-do list is never-ending... but the truth is, this window of time is short.

And it's laying the foundation for your child's future emotional security, identity, and worldview.

Every moment you spend meeting their needs, patiently responding to their cries, or joyfully engaging with them (even when you're tired), is literally wiring their brain for resilience, confidence, and connection.

You're not just keeping a child alive.

You're shaping a soul.

You Don’t Need to Be Perfect—But You Do Need to Be Present

One of the most powerful messages we share in this episode is that you don’t have to be a perfect mom.

You just need to be present—willing to meet their needs, again and again, with love and patience.

And ironically, the more joyfully and consistently you meet their needs, the less needy they become.

Your child begins to internalize a deep, subconscious truth:

Mom is there for me.

I’m safe.

I’m loved.

And this sense of security allows them to explore, play independently, and eventually let you breathe.

This is how early childhood development actually creates space for you—not in the short term, but in the long term.

It’s counterintuitive, but it’s true.

childhood development

Your Needs Matter Too—And That’s Not Selfish

Just because you're in a season of selfless giving doesn’t mean you don’t matter.

In fact, taking care of yourself—physically, emotionally, spiritually—is one of the best gifts you can give your kids.

You are their model for what it means to be a healthy, happy, capable adult.

That means:

  • Getting dressed in the morning (yes, even if you're not going anywhere).
  • Moving your body.
  • Eating real food.
  • Creating routines that fuel you—not drain you.

Even 15 minutes of intentional focus time for yourself can be transformative—for both you and your kids.

This Stage Feels Long… But It’s Actually So Short

It’s tempting to think, “This will never end.”

But the reality is: it will.

And when it does, you’ll never be able to get it back.

Every day your child grows older.

And every interaction you have with them is building the scaffolding of their future identity.

That might feel like a heavy burden—but it’s also an incredible opportunity.

You are literally shaping who they will become.

And if you do this part well—this hard, exhausting, beautiful, messy part—everything else in parenting becomes easier.

Because you'll have laid the foundation of connection, trust, and emotional well-being that will last for a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

You’re not doing it wrong just because it feels hard.

You’re doing it right—because it does.

So keep showing up.

Keep loving.

Keep investing.

This season matters.

The impact is real.

And you’re winning, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

You’ve got this. Keep going. Reach upward.

 

RESOURCES:

Let us help you in your extraordinary family life journey.

Extraordinary Parenting
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Rachel Denning

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