Motherhood is an ever-evolving journey filled with highs, lows, and everything in between. As we navigate the many motherhood stages, from sleepless newborn nights to the emotional rollercoaster of adolescence, it’s clear that no two moms experience parenthood quite the same way. In this post, we’re digging into a refreshing truth many moms hesitate to admit—we all have favorite stages, and that’s perfectly okay.
Table of Contents
30,000 Feet Up and a Truth We Never Say
You Don’t Have to Love Every Stage of Motherhood.
I’m writing this from 30,000 feet in the air. No husband. No kids. Just me—and the sweet (and rare) gift of quiet. As I look a few rows ahead, there’s a dad trying desperately to soothe his screaming baby daughter. He’s bouncing down the aisle, whispering shh’s that echo through the cabin.
And as I’m watching this moment unfold, I can’t help but reflect on my own journey as a mom—not just on the universal aspects of parenting, but on the deeply personal ones too.
Because here’s the truth we rarely say out loud:
We don’t love every single stage of motherhood.
And that’s okay. In fact, let’s talk about it.
Our Mom Experience is Shaped Long Before Kids Arrive
Before you had your first child, what kind of mom did you imagine you’d be?
- Maybe you always dreamed of a big family, but life only made space for one… or none.
- Maybe you never wanted kids, and then suddenly everything changed with one positive pregnancy test.
- Or maybe you were like me—thinking “two sounds good,” only to feel your heart still had room for one more.
Even the way we became moms shapes our experience. Whether we anxiously awaited each pee stick during IVF, or the pregnancy was a complete surprise in college, these beginnings color how we view each parenting phase.
Confession Time: We All Have a Favorite Stage
Yep. Let’s just say it. We love our children… but certain ages and stages? Not so much. And some? We’d relive in a heartbeat. What’s the best stage of parenting?
The Newborn Stage:
Baby snuggles so sweet they make your heart burst. But also—zero personal space, hormone rollercoasters, and sleep deprivation straight out of a survival exercise.
Toddler Years:
ADORABLE. Hilarious. Wild. Also the tantrums, the lack of reasoning, the absolutely no sleeping through the night… again.
Elementary to Middle School:
Independence blossoms. You get more sleep. They have real conversations. And they hopefully learn to wipe their own butts.
Teenage + Adult Years (the dream phase):
Sharing wine and holidays and big belly laughs around a table. They may live on their own, have their own families, and hey, even plan a trip for you someday.
Me? I look forward to that future version. But I also get nostalgic seeing a baby fall asleep on someone’s shoulder. Both can be true.
You Don’t Have to Love Every Minute
Is it normal to not enjoy being a mom?
You don’t have to cherish every bath time.
You don’t have to find magic in every grocery store meltdown.
And you can definitely admit that you’re more “school drop-off with a coffee” kind of mom than “let’s build a fairy village in the backyard” kind.
If you cried when summer break started—not ended—you’re not alone. If you sometimes feel guilty for needing space from your own kids, you’re human.
We’re playing the long game here. And trying to love every moment only sets us up for burnout and shame.
Let’s Drop the Guilt and Pick Up the Peace
Motherhood isn’t a competition. There’s no gold star for loving every age group your child ever reaches. And when we stop pretending each phase is supposed to be magical, we give ourselves—and our kids—something beautiful:
A more authentic, less stressed, more present version of ourselves.
We’ve got to stop measuring our motherhood in guilt. I could list a dozen things I’ve beaten myself up for in the last month alone:
- Sending my kids to camp while others went on vacation
- Yelling at a tantruming toddler
- Going on a solo trip while others posted “perfect” family photos from the beach
But you know what? I never give myself credit for the hugs, the resilience, the moments I nailed it. It’s time we start doing that more. You feel me?
Permission Granted: You Can Love What You Love
You don’t like the baby stage? OK.
You wish toddlers came with a mute button? SAME.
You’re counting the days ‘til they have their own Netflix account and don’t need you to explain Minecraft? Let’s go!
Let’s normalize talking about which ages light us up—and which ones make us pull our hair out.
Because when we’re honest, we hear this:
“Oh my gosh. Me too. I thought I was the only one.”
Real Talk from 30,000 Feet
Right now, on this flight away from home, I miss my kids. I’ve scrolled through photos for half an hour even though I begged the universe for this break. And that’s the complicated truth of motherhood:
We crave space. We miss them.
Both are true.
Whether you’ve loved every stage or none of them—whether parenting has sparked more joy or more tears—please know this:
You’re showing up every single day. That matters.
You’re doing enough.
Your kids know you’re there, and that they’re deeply, outrageously loved.
And that? That is everything.
Want to Start Enjoying Mom-Life More?
Join the free webinar:
“Make Mom Life Easier & Actually Enjoy It”
👉 Register here
And don’t forget to connect:
- Instagram: @itslaurenmora
- Website: itslaurenmora.com
💬 Before You Go…
Tell me in the comments:
What’s your favorite (and least favorite) stage of motherhood… and why? Let’s get real together.
🔊 P.S. Missed this on the podcast? Listen to Episode 11: “What No Moms Want to Admit: The Ages and Stages We Love Best” of Lauren MoraRME wherever you stream.
