I’m Not a Supermom

Debunking the Supermom Myth

Moms are often seen as superheroes—capable of juggling endless responsibilities, making everything run smoothly, and keeping their families happy. But here’s the thing: I don’t have endless patience, and I definitely don’t have superhuman emotional strength. I’m not some stoic figure who can breeze through every challenge with a smile. In fact, I’m learning to manage my own emotions while trying to teach my kids how to control theirs. Talk about a double challenge! And if we’re being honest, I’m tired of always having to be strong, especially when things gets tough.

Let’s get one thing straight: we’re not supposed to be able to handle it all. We’re not machines. Even machines need to rest, recharge, and occasionally get a little maintenance. So why do we, as moms, feel like we need to be on 24/7, without a moment’s break? Spoiler alert—we can’t, and we shouldn’t have to.

Coping with the Mental Load of Motherhood

One thing that’s helped me stay afloat? Therapy. It’s like my secret weapon, a place where I can just be myself without the pressure to have it all together. It’s where I go to untangle the mess of thoughts and emotions that come with motherhood. Because let’s face it, there’s no chip or manual telling us how to navigate this journey. We do what needs to be done, often without knowing if it’s right or wrong, just because $hit$ have to be done.

I used to think that motherhood would expose all my weaknesses, but what I’ve found is that I’m stronger than I ever imagined. This strength isn’t about having everything under control; it’s about showing up every day, even when I’m running on fumes. It’s the kind of strength that gets me through the tantrums, the sleepless nights, and the never-ending to-do lists.

And then there are the moments that make it all worthwhile—the spontaneous hugs, the innocent “I love yous,” and when they tell you their day was great. Those little moments fill my heart in ways nothing else can. They remind me that despite the chaos, despite not being a superhero, I am enough.

As for balance? Well, I haven’t figured that out yet. Maybe it’s because my kids are still so little, or maybe it’s because I don’t have that elusive “village” of support that everyone talks about. (Being away from a supportive community can make the pressures of motherhood feel even more overwhelming. Check out my thoughts on this in The Village That Wasn’t: Motherhood Away from Home) But here’s the thing—I’m okay with not having all the answers right now. I’m learning that it’s okay to stumble, to feel overwhelmed, and to not have a Pinterest-perfect home or an Instagram-worthy life.

We start to accept this supermom title and end up putting pressure on ourselves that doesn’t belong to us. It makes us feel like failures if we don’t live up to some unrealistic standard. But the truth? The real, unfiltered truth? It’s the unconditional love we give and receive. That’s what makes us special—not because we can do it all, but because we love without limits.

So no, I’m not a supermom. I’m a mom, and that’s more than enough.