Mom-Of-Three Confesses She Feels Like She’s Wasted Her Education, And Her Honest Letter Goes Viral
A few years ago, Kate Swenson started a blog called Finding Cooper’s Voice to talk about her son’s autism. At first, she poured her heart out daily for just a couple of readers. Kate’s sole purpose was talking about her emotions. Over time, however, more and more people started noticing her sincere texts. Now, the mom has over 560,000 followers on Facebook alone.
If you take a look at any of her uploads, you’ll instantly understand why Kate’s blog is doing so well. She perfectly captures not only her own feelings but the reality of being a parent in general. Few can externalize such complex inner experiences as clear as she does. And this entry is no exception. Titled I Never Knew Being A Mother Would Be So Hard For You, it delves deep into trying to understand what it’s like to be a mom.
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Image credits: Finding Cooper’s Voice
Image credits: Finding Cooper’s Voice
Image credits: Finding Cooper’s Voice
Image credits: Finding Cooper’s Voice
“For me, I am a pretty laid back mom so when I get stressed… it’s really stressful,” Kate told Bored Panda. “Sick kids, deadlines at work and never-ending laundry will do that to a person. I don’t typically have prolonged periods of stress. I would more say they come and go.”
She believes that there are hard moments and even hard days and weeks. But the hard won’t last forever. “So, when I am struggling, I remind myself that this too shall pass. I also really focus on finding joy whenever I can. Meaning, on my hardest days, my nonverbal son may try to say a word or my 7-year-old may score a goal in hockey. I try to focus on those parts. Find the joy in the hard.”
Image credits: Finding Cooper’s Voice
At the end of the day, however, all of her struggles are worth it. “I have the best children ever, an amazing husband and a beautiful life,” Kate said. “The boys in my life make it all worthwhile. I know that for a fact. I am a very blessed mom. But as I’ve aged, I’ve learned that saying it’s hard sometimes helps. Admitting to being overwhelmed does, too. It doesn’t make me weak. It makes me real. In fact, I think it makes me a better mom!”
Parents couldn’t agree with Kate more
It's no wonder she feels this way. With three boys of different ages (one with special needs) a job, and no time for a hobby or night out with the girls? I think being happy living that way would be abnormal. I do agree she may suffer from depression brought on by stress. Talking about what she is going through is important. I hope her husband is supporting her through this. I'm glad she opened up about how she feels; it's a step in the right direction.
The real problem is that women are still expected in this day and age to take on the majority of the burden of child rearing. I work in a male dominated profession and seeing them with three kids is way different from the women I work with.
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This made me sad. I understand where she is coming from, but I had postpartum depression. Once I had some therapy and got my medication worked out, I finally started enjoying my life. It sounds like she needs to make a plan with either family, friends, or husband and get at least a couple hours a week to herself just to recoup. A little self-care goes a long way and will make her happier and enjoy her children more.
She either overestimated her stamina and her ability to juggle or she was just too naïve to realise motherhood can be tough. Either way, she should be seeking professional help rather than the FB or IG instant and meaningless sympathy. Or that's precisely what she's in for.
It's no wonder she feels this way. With three boys of different ages (one with special needs) a job, and no time for a hobby or night out with the girls? I think being happy living that way would be abnormal. I do agree she may suffer from depression brought on by stress. Talking about what she is going through is important. I hope her husband is supporting her through this. I'm glad she opened up about how she feels; it's a step in the right direction.
The real problem is that women are still expected in this day and age to take on the majority of the burden of child rearing. I work in a male dominated profession and seeing them with three kids is way different from the women I work with.
Load More Replies... This made me sad. I understand where she is coming from, but I had postpartum depression. Once I had some therapy and got my medication worked out, I finally started enjoying my life. It sounds like she needs to make a plan with either family, friends, or husband and get at least a couple hours a week to herself just to recoup. A little self-care goes a long way and will make her happier and enjoy her children more.
She either overestimated her stamina and her ability to juggle or she was just too naïve to realise motherhood can be tough. Either way, she should be seeking professional help rather than the FB or IG instant and meaningless sympathy. Or that's precisely what she's in for.
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