And why it’s okay if you’ve done every single one of them.
Motherhood is made up of a lot of visible things—lunch boxes, backpacks, birthday party RSVPs. But it’s also full of the quiet stuff. The moments no one talks about. The ones that happen when no one’s asking for anything, and you’re finally left alone… for a second.
Some of these things are small. Some feel a little silly. Some carry a surprising amount of weight.
But all of them are real. And if you’ve done any of them—you’re not weird. You’re just a mom figuring it out in your own way.
1. Hiding Snacks in Places No One Checks
It’s usually not even your favorite snack. It’s just something you want to finish without someone asking for a bite.
So it ends up tucked in the back of a drawer, inside your purse, or under the frozen peas. Not because you’re sneaky. Just because you want one small thing that’s yours.
And when you finally eat it—alone, in peace—it’s not about the food. It’s about breathing for a moment without interruption.
2. Sitting in the Bathroom Just to Get a Break
Sometimes you’re just sitting on the edge of the tub. You’re not crying. You’re not scrolling. You’re just… there. Because it’s the only place where no one’s calling your name or asking where their socks are.
Even a few minutes in silence can feel like a reset. It’s not glamorous, but it’s what you’ve got—and that counts for something.
3. Looking Through Photos of Your Kids at Night
It doesn’t matter how loud the day was. Or how much yelling there was. You end up scrolling through old photos and remembering their tiny hands, their weird grins, and how fast everything’s moving.
Some nights, you feel guilty. Other nights, just grateful. But always, you feel something. And that’s what keeps you going.
4. Pretending to Be Asleep So Someone Else Handles It
You hear the noise. You know someone’s supposed to get up and do something about it. But you keep your eyes closed.
It’s not because you don’t care. You’re just at your edge—and someone else can take a turn.
It’s okay. You don’t have to jump up every time. You really don’t.
5. Crying in the Laundry Room or in the Car
It’s not always a big breakdown. Sometimes it’s just tears that quietly roll down your face while folding towels. Or while parked in the driveway for a little longer than necessary.
The weight of all the tiny things you carry? It builds. And eventually, it needs out. Better out than in.
6. Googling “Is It Normal to Feel This Tired?”
Spoiler: it is.
You’ve probably searched this more than once. Maybe late at night while lying in bed, knowing tomorrow’s going to be another long one.
You’re not broken. You’re just doing a lot—with very little time to catch your breath.
7. Watching Them Sleep and Feeling Everything All at Once
This is the moment where everything calms down. When their face softens, their chest rises and falls, and for just a minute, you forget how draining the day was.
You stand there, looking at them, wondering how they can be so infuriating and so perfect at the same time.
8. Daydreaming About a Weekend Alone
No one touching you. No one asking you anything. Just silence.
It’s not that you don’t love your kids. You just want to be with yourself for a bit.
And then the guilt creeps in—but honestly? You don’t need to feel bad for wanting space.
Even good moms need distance sometimes.
9. Staying Up Too Late Just to Feel Like a Person
You should go to bed. You’re exhausted.
But instead, you stay up, scrolling or binge-watching or sitting in the kitchen doing absolutely nothing.
Because for once, no one needs you.
And that kind of freedom—however small—feels worth losing a bit of sleep.
10. Whispering “I’m Sorry” After They’ve Fallen Asleep
Maybe the day got away from you. You lost your patience. Said something in a tone you didn’t mean.
But now they’re asleep, and you lean in close and whisper things you couldn’t say earlier: “I’m sorry.”
“I love you.”
It doesn’t erase the day, but it helps you sleep a little better.
You’re Not Alone
Every mom has moments they don’t talk about.
You’re not failing. You’re not weird. You’re not the only one hiding in the pantry or tearing up in the laundry room.
You’re human. And you’re doing the best you can.
So if this list made you nod, laugh, or even cry a little—you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
Aine Austria is a content creator, freelancer, entrepreneur, essential oils educator, nacho lover, and mom to an adorable daughter. She helps aspiring mom bloggers and entrepreneurs launch their blog, alongside other money-making opportunities. Aine believes that everyone has a story to tell and that their experiences and talents can be shared with the world.
Aine’s passion for writing and sharing her knowledge with others started at a young age. Growing up, she always loved to read books, write stories, and express herself through words. She strongly believes that moms can still pursue their dreams and passions while raising a family, and she aims to inspire other moms to do the same through her work.
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