5 Things Working Moms Are Tired of Hearing and Why Working Mom Burnout

Navigating the world as a working mom carries its unique set of challenges. In my latest video, I tackled the five most common phrases people say to working moms that may seem harmless at first but often cut deep. Here’s what I shared:

1. "Oh, it must be nice to have a break at work."

Let's clarify—work is not a break. While we might shift from chasing toddlers to attending meetings, the pressure doesn't let up. Work brings its own set of challenges, from deadlines to office politics. All the while, our minds juggle family responsibilities, creating a mental load that's relentless. The truth is, balancing professional demands with personal duties can often feel like sprinting on a tightrope.

2. "Just let the house be messy. Who cares? The kids are only little once."

While the advice to overlook a messy house might seem kind, the underlying pressure remains. Clutter often translates to chaos for many moms, triggering anxiety rather than relief. It’s not about striving for perfection; it’s about craving a peaceful environment. Our homes shouldn’t feel like an additional job. Instead of simply telling us to let go, lending a helping hand can make all the difference.

3. "You should just really enjoy this time while they're young."

This phrase, though well-intended, can feel like criticism wrapped in a smile. Being told to enjoy every moment adds pressure, suggesting that feeling overwhelmed means we’re doing it wrong. But love and exhaustion often coexist. Moms need grace, not guilt—a reminder that they don’t have to cherish every second to be great moms.

4. "Why don't you just wake up earlier?"

The suggestion to wake up earlier makes a flawed assumption that the issue lies with us not trying hard enough. Yet, many moms are already sacrificing sleep for the sake of managing daily chaos. This isn’t a time management issue; it’s a societal one that calls for support, not more demands. Moms deserve rest and a break from the relentless juggle.

5. "I don't know how you do it all."

While seemingly complementary, this statement normalizes the impossible. It puts pressure on moms to maintain an unsustainable pace and frames burnout as inevitable. Instead, we need to share the burden and dismantle the myth that strength equals handling everything solo. True support involves stepping in and sharing the load.

If these experiences resonate with you, remember you're not alone. Burnout, exhaustion, and overwhelm are not burdens you need to carry by yourself. There's a community out there where you can connect with other working moms through the Working Mama Reset Program. For more information, feel free to contact me or check out my free resources designed to ease the everyday challenges faced by working moms.

Thank you for reading, and remember, you don’t have to “do it all” to be a great mom…. you already are one!