I am so grateful to be a mom. We tried for nearly two years before getting pregnant with our first child, Reese. And while many days I struggle with stress, mom guilt, and all the other things every mom I know feels, I choose to focus on finding joy in motherhood instead.
I don’t share a lot of negativity because I’d rather release the fears and doubts of motherhood and focus on joy instead. This helps to reframe situations so I’m not weighed down by the tough parts. As moms, even though it’s not always easy, we get to be there for our kids. Try shifting your thinking toward these 10 “get to’s” of motherhood to help yourself focus on finding joy in motherhood.
1. You get to embrace the craziness.
Life as a mom of little ones can get pretty chaotic sometimes, like when you’re rushing around in the mornings trying to get everyone fed, dressed, and out the door on time. In those moments, I like to remind myself of this quote: “If you have tucked a child into a warm bed tonight, then you have the richest gifts. You are so blessed.” And that’s true, isn’t it? So, rather than being overwhelmed by the craziness, focus on the beauty and tenderness found in the middle of it.
2. You get to watch your kids’ personalities grow.
Witnessing your children develop into unique individuals with their own quirks and talents is one of the greatest privileges of motherhood. My daughter, Reese, is such a pistol. She’s vocal and confident. I can already tell Jack is so different. As moms, we get to celebrate the little people our kids are right now and guide them on who they will be.
3. You get to savor the sweet moments.
My daughter is a little talker, and I love that about her. We get cozy on the couch and hold the best conversations. At night, we read stories and talk about the day before I tuck her into bed. Those glimmer moments are ones we’ll hold in our hearts forever and can be the simple secret to finding joy and peace in motherhood.
4. You get to find joy even on the hard days.
There is nothing better than the sound of one of my children laughing. On the hard days, like when something at work goes wrong or Jack or Reese gets a stomach bug, just hearing their giggles draws me into the moment and reminds me to be thankful for my family. We all go through some really tough days. However, finding joy in motherhood is possible, even if we need to look closely to see it.
5. You get to witness the bond between siblings.
Siblings share a special relationship. My son, Jack, saves his biggest smiles for his sister. It’s a beautiful thing to watch unfold. Honestly, it makes me smile just imagining them as adults and knowing they’ll have each other to depend on throughout life.
6. You get to laugh at the little mistakes you make.
Being a mom comes with unplanned funny situations like the time I accidentally crushed my husband’s favorite hat under the pack-and-play. As much as I love a good prank, this wasn’t one of them. Since the baby was already napping, the hat remained smushed. And Josh and I laughed it off. Laughter really can reset any situation.
7. You get to introduce your children to what you love.
As a commentator on ESPN, it’s no secret that I love football. And during the season, it’s been so much fun to include Reese and Jack in picking who is going to win the week’s big game. Reese is actually pretty good at it, although she does seem to favor Alabama. While football might not be your thing, you get to share your favorite things—books, movies, games, food, places—with your children. And, maybe in the process, you’ll help them discover they love it, too!
8. You get to share in what your children love.
Finding joy in motherhood happens most often when I say yes to exploring the world through what brings my kids happiness: Dance parties in the kitchen, blowing bubbles outside, or skipping together down the sidewalk. As moms, our children invite us to explore the world with fresh eyes.
9. You get to discover what works for your family.
During football season, my work comes with little flexibility. However, my husband and I learned what works for us. One of the adjustments we’ve made is when we spend time together as a couple. After the kids are in bed, we make time to sit on the couch and talk in the evenings. I might be pumping Jack’s next meal and checking on a few work things, but I’m also connecting with Josh.
10. You get to love and be loved by your children.
We can probably all think of things we “should” be doing. For me, it typically includes responding to a text, prepping for an interview, or figuring out what’s for dinner. However, finding joy in motherhood means figuring out it’s OK to pause all the “shoulds” and love on your children by prioritizing time with them right now.
What “get to” situations are bringing you the most joy in motherhood right now?
