Always “On”
Being a mom is wild work. You’re expected to be soft, gentle, nurturing—and at the same time, you’ve got to wear armor of steel. The emotional and mental overtime never ends. The endless list of details buzzing in the back of your brain could rival a NASA control center. You’re always “on.” Even in your sleep, you’re half-listening, half-ready to go at any moment. The load is so heavy that dropping something isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable. And when you do? Forget grace. You get no breaks, no do-overs, not even the chance to breathe wrong without someone noticing 100% calling you for it!
Then and Now
I’m a mom of two. My son just turned 20, and my daughter just turned 15. When I started this blog, they were little kids, and I still can’t believe how fast the years have flown. People like to say parenting gets easier as kids get older, but honestly? It doesn’t. It just changes.
When your kids are little, your life isn’t your own. Every second revolves around their schedules, their needs, their routines. Sleep? Gone. Freedom? Nonexistent. And in a way, that never really stops—it just shifts. The mornings aren’t filled with blaring cartoons and wrestling toddlers into car seats anymore, and the endless taxi service eventually slows down—but there’s still rushing. Just new responsibilities, new chaos.
New Worries, Same Sleepless Nights
The difference now is that my kids are in the world—out there with the people. They’re making their own choices, building their own circles. And my sleepless nights aren’t about fevers or nightmares anymore—they’re about bigger, scarier things I can’t protect them from. Sometimes it’s the dangers in the world. And sometimes—heartbreakingly—it’s even family.
That’s where the anxiety creeps in: did I do enough? Did I teach them well? Can I really trust the world (or the people in it) to treat them right? But here’s what I do know: at the end of the day, they still have me. Whether it’s a warm meal, a safe place to land, or help when life blindsides them—Mom will be there. Always. Even when they tell me to leave them alone, I’ll be here, waiting in the background, praying they remember the lessons I’ve poured into them. And I pray those lessons will hold them steady when the world comes at them, when the “mean” shows up—because it will, and it does!
The Hardest Work
But let’s be real: in the middle of all this, moms get beaten up too. It’s exhausting. It’s overwhelming and sad. And when you’re trying to break generational chains, heal yourself, and still show up for your kids? The weight feels impossible. Some days I fall flat on my face—but I get back up. Over and over. Why? Because this is the one thing I knew, without a doubt, I was meant to do. Be a mom.
I love it all, even while being criticized, judged, or held to impossible standards. Sure, I’ve made mistakes—who hasn’t? The “perfect” version of parenting would probably look like raising your kids in a castle with servants, skipping through fields of daisies under a rainbow, and eating ice cream out of pots of gold. And let’s not forget—kids who listen to every word without argument. Sounds magical.
But real parenting? It’s showing up. Loving them. Believing in them. Speaking life into them. Guiding them through the uncomfortable parts—because that’s where growth happens. And while you’re doing that, they’re pushing boundaries, testing limits, and forcing you to grow alongside them. It’s hard—sometimes hair-pulling hard—but it’s also beautiful. Beautiful to watch them succeed, learn, stumble, get back up, and experience life for themselves.
Shaking Off Shame
And yes, the judgment hurts. It stings because this isn’t just a job—it’s my purpose, my calling. So, when someone criticizes my parenting or comes after my kids, it feels like a direct attack. But here’s the shift: I’m done letting shame sit on my shoulders. You can have it back.
From the bottom of my heart—I know I’m a good parent. Why? Because I care enough to ask myself every day, “Am I doing right by them?” I’m not afraid to correct myself, because growth is part of life. What I won’t do anymore is carry shame for people who will never be satisfied and never correct themselves. I’m not living for their approval.
Anchored in God
I’m living for God first—pouring into myself, my marriage, and these beautiful kids who were entrusted to me in the first place. The noise is no longer in my ears, and I’m sad I ever let it play there. Over the last month, I had an awakening—something straight out of the twilight zone. It shook me, but it was the kind of shakeup I needed. God is amazing like that. He rattles us, but always for good. And I’m thankful. I’ve seen the truth in people’s hearts—and that told me all I needed to know.
The Armor We Build
Parenthood is a hard walk, but it’s worth every step. Our words matter as much as our actions. The tongue can speak life or death, and once words are spoken, even a hundred “I’m sorry’s” can’t erase them. Parents, if we don’t reach the hearts of our kids, the world will. And the world will eat them alive. Even the most trusted adult might not always be safe. That’s why we must protect their hearts. We must make sure they know Jesus. It could literally save their lives.
Every word of encouragement, every prayer, every moment of love builds their armor for the battles ahead. And make no mistake—the battles will come. The enemy will attack. But that same love also gives them a heart to love—and that, above everything else, is the most important thing in the world. And as for me? I’m standing here as proof that I’m doing just fine in this parenthood era.
Final Word
So, for anyone watching from the sidelines, with all their opinions and criticism? Worry about yourself—because trust me, I’ve seen your work.
Sk-
Woven in the Fabric
💌 Thanks for reading, friends. If this post spoke to you, share it with another mom who needs the reminder that she’s doing better than she thinks.
👉 Subscribe at fabricthatmademe.com for weekly encouragement.
📱 Let’s connect on Instagram: @skfabric_303
📌 Save this story on Pinterest for later inspiration.
- Table-Tossing Grace: My Season of Withdrawal and the Beauty of Eremition
- Filtering the Poison
- Confusion: The Chaos Strategist
- 5 Bible Verses to Remember: Gratitude, Forgiveness, Worthiness, Grace, and Peace
- Fixing the Hinges on the Gate | by fabricthatmademe
Leave a Reply