Encouragement for the Overwhelmed and Tired Mama of Littles
Dear tired mama, this is for you, but I’m also writing it for myself.
I work full time. After teaching over one hundred kids all day, I come home to two sweet, busy little boys under two — and a list of things I’d love to accomplish. Homework. Laundry. Dishes. Just a few quiet minutes with Jesus. But almost every time I sit down, someone wakes up or needs me.
It’s like they sense the pause.
And while the boys are well cared for during the day, evenings, weekends, and summers are on me — and they’re a whirlwind. Sometimes that adds guilt that I feel that way when I only get several hours with them a day, but that’s for another post.
If you’re a working mom, a foster mom, a single mom (or all three like me). If you’re any kind of mom, and you’re wondering how you’ll ever get everything done… I get it.
The Mental Load Is Real
Some days, I feel like I’ve done everything and nothing all at once. I’ve answered emails, done schoolwork, fed and changed and soothed two little ones — but I still haven’t had sit down quiet moments with Jesus. The house is a mess. I haven’t responded to that text. And I definitely didn’t finish that one thing I needed to.
But I’m slowly learning this:
I’m not failing. This is just hard.
It’s Just a Season
Right now, I’m in a season of diapers, sleep regressions, nighttime feeds, toddler energy, and a lot of interrupted sleep. It’s okay to be tired. It’s okay to not have it all together.
They won’t be this little forever. And while I crave a quiet moment and some things crossed off my to do list, I know I’ll miss the snuggles and baby babble someday.
What Helps Me Hold It Together
- Letting go of perfect. The to-do list can wait. That’s hard for me, but necessary.
- A single goal per evening. Dishes? Great. Devotional time? Even better.
- Leaning on my village. Whether it’s my family helping with the boys or a quick text prayer from a friend — I’m learning not to go it alone. And to ask for help.
A Verse That’s Anchoring Me
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9
Even in the exhaustion, I’m not alone. God isn’t rushing me. He’s gently leading me. I am weak and cannot do this in my own strength. He carries me as I call on Him.
The work of motherhood, raising up children is so precious. In a world that’s going a million miles a minute, they make us slow down (whether we want to or not), and maybe that’s a good thing. Pausing our rush to be present. Laying down our to-do list to engage. Losing the idea that we have to be perfect, get everything done now, and can do it in our own strength. Surrendering it all to God who gives us the ultimate grace and strength.
If You’re In This Too…
You’re not behind.
You’re not broken.
You’re not the only one who feels like there’s never enough time.
You’re a good mom — even on the days when it all feels like too much.
One Thing That’s Encouraging Me
I’ve been listening to audiobooks lately and I just finished, Now and Not Yet. It’s encouraging and relatable, plus gives me a breath of truth when I need it most. If you’re looking for something life-giving about being present, I recommend it.
(Amazon affiliate link — I may earn a small commission if you decide to buy, at no extra cost to you!)
You’ve Got This
To the tired mama doing bedtime solo, catching up on work after dark, or praying God’s promises over babies as you put them to sleep — I see you.
You’re doing holy work. Kingdom work. Even when it’s hard. Especially then.
Oooooffff feel this right now. Been feeling behind and drowning in every area of life and like I don’t even have capacity to be present fully when with the kiddos (que the mom guilt) Thank you for your realness!
This is awesome, L, good job!
“You’re not failing. This is just hard.” Something we need to remind ourselves of often!!!