Help for When Motherhood Feels Overwhelming

Motherhood can be tough, especially in the early years.

Three moms – Ashley Durand, Kristen Rusch, and Dr. Jenny Coffey – are joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to share what to do when you’re giving everything you’ve got to motherhood but running on fumes.

Ashley promised herself she’d never discipline out of anger, but then a trip to the library with her toddler ended in disaster. When it was time to go, he threw himself to the floor and began crying and screaming. Ashley was forced to haul him and a stack of library books to the car where she lost control and screamed louder than her toddler did.

After Ashley got home and gathered herself, she realized that her emotion was the result of feeling like she didn’t “measure up” as a mom. Her priorities were also out of balance. She had been more concerned about what the library patrons thought of her than what her son needed from her in that moment.

Can you relate?

Research from MomCo (formerly MOPS) reveals:

• 60% of moms feel lonely.

• 50-80% suffer from postpartum depression.

• 89% of stay-at-home moms feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities.

Ashley, Kristen, and Dr. Coffey say mothers often feel pressured by voices in the culture about how children ought to be raised. That’s compounded by voices from their family, their church community – even their own inner voice or the voices of their children asking for their wants and needs to be met.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and discouraged as a mom, tune in to our full conversation on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, or on our free phone app. We want to cheer you on. You can do this! You can make it! God is going to help you! Even when it seems like nothing good is happening, God is doing something. He is working in your day-to-day struggles to help you grow and trust Him more.

If you would like someone to talk to, we have caring, Christian counselors who will listen, pray with you, and get you on a path toward healing and hope. They’ll also direct you to additional resources in your area if necessary. Call us, leave your name and number, and we’ll get back with you as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459). Kristen and Ashley’s book, Mothering on Empty: How Moms Like You Found God’s Joy, is available for a gift of any amount. Click here or give us a call at 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).