Ever had a stranger or even a well-meaning friend tell you, 'Wow, you look tired!'? If you’re a mom, especially one with multiple kids, you’ve probably heard this more than you can count. But here’s the truth nobody tells you: hearing that can sting more than you think. It’s not just a casual comment—it’s a loaded statement that can make a mom feel seen only through the lens of exhaustion.
I recently read a thought-provoking article titled Yes, as a mom of 4, I'm tired. But I don't like when strangers point that out, where a mother of four shared the emotional weight behind this seemingly innocent remark. She explained how she’s prepared with a variety of responses because those comments, though often well-intentioned, tend to overlook the depth of her experience.
So why does this happen so often?
Well, there’s a societal narrative that moms—especially those with big families—are walking exhaustion machines. And while being tired is real and valid, reducing a mom to her fatigue is frustrating and unfair. It’s like saying to someone with a chronic illness, “You look sick today.”
But here’s the thing: Moms, like anyone else, want to be recognized for their strength, resilience, and joys — not just their tiredness. And this got me thinking about how important it is to shift the conversation around parenthood and even fertility journeys, especially for those who might be navigating added sensitivities or challenges.
Let's be honest: deciding to start or grow a family can be an emotional rollercoaster. If you or someone you love has ever faced fertility sensitivities or conditions like vaginismus, you understand how complex and personal this journey is. It’s not just about biology; it’s about emotional and physical well-being, delicate health considerations, and sometimes, challenging medical processes.
Here’s where solutions like the ones offered by MakeAMom come into play. They provide at-home insemination kits designed specifically to accommodate different needs — whether that’s low motility sperm, frozen sperm, or sensitivity issues. For many, this means reclaiming privacy, comfort, and control in their fertility journey, away from the sterile and often impersonal clinical environments.
The beauty of these kits isn’t just the technology; it’s the empowerment. When a mom or a couple uses a system like MakeAMom’s, they get a gentle, reusable, and cost-effective method that respects their unique situation — without the fear of judgment or intrusive comments from strangers or even well-intentioned loved ones.
Now, imagine combining that empowerment with a more compassionate social dialogue. Instead of calling out a mom’s tiredness, we could ask, “How are you really doing?” or “What’s been the best moment with your kids this week?” It’s these small shifts that can make a massive difference in how moms feel supported and seen.
If you’re on a fertility path or supporting someone who is, know that you’re not alone. There are resources and communities that understand the intricacies—whether you’re managing sensitivities, chronic conditions, or just the emotional ups and downs of trying to conceive. And the more we share our stories honestly, the more we normalize the struggles and celebrate the triumphs.
In the end, motherhood is messy, complex, and absolutely beautiful. The tiredness? It’s just one small part of an incredible story worth telling — and hearing — with kindness.
For anyone interested in learning more about sensitive and personalized fertility options, MakeAMom’s at-home insemination kits might be the resource you never knew you needed. They’re designed to meet you where you are, so you can focus on the joy ahead instead of the hurdles behind.
So next time you want to comment on a mom’s tiredness, pause and think: what would really make her day better? Because sometimes, a little empathy goes a long way.
What’s your experience with these moments? How do you handle unsolicited comments about parenting? Share your thoughts below — let’s start a conversation that lifts us all up!