The Truth Behind Mommy Platitudes

When author Becky Baudouin’s girls were little, strangers would comment about how cute they were. Then they’d share a mommy platitude. Something like, “Enjoy every minute! It goes by fast!”

Becky knew what they meant, but she also thought to herself, “What about moments that are terrible and the only good thing about them is that they don’t last forever?”

Here’s another one: “If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.” Out of balance, this one puts a lot of pressure on mom to act like she’s happy and together when she’s really not.

Becky tells the moms she speaks to that it’s okay to “normalize” your struggles instead of hiding them or pretending they don’t exist. There’s room to live authentically in front of your children.

How can you rise above unrealistic expectations and negative self-talk fueled by mommy platitudes?

Becky encourages women to think of motherhood as a pilgrimage – a long journey with spiritual significance. When we set out on a pilgrimage:

We walk with purpose.
We learn patience because the journey is long.
We see the bigger picture.
We expect bumps in the road.

Parenting has its challenges, but it’s rewarding in the long run. That’s not just another platitude. It’s true. On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “The Truth Behind Mommy Platitudes,” Becky and I discuss answers to the following truisms:

Enjoy every minute because the time goes fast.
A mother’s love is totally pure and selfless.
If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.
Being a mom is the hardest job in the world.
You are in control.

Hear Becky Baudouin’s biblical encouragement for moms with young kids on your local radio station, online, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

If you’re in the trenches and need encouragement – or even professional help – we have caring Christian counselors on staff, and it would be their privilege to offer you a free consultation. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you just as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

Becky Baudouin is an author, speaker, and former columnist for Chicago’s Daily Herald. A copy of Becky’s book Enjoy Every Minute: And Other Ridiculous Things We Say to Moms is available when you become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. I’ll send you Becky’s book as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).