One mom recently opened up online, sparking a conversation that many parents can relate to.
“I don’t enjoy playing with my kids,” she shared in her video. “Make-believe games and role-playing make me feel awkward and nauseous. Crafting? Not my thing either. But even if I don’t excel in every parenting area, I know I’m a good mom.”
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She pointed out that activities like messy baking feel daunting, especially with small kids. “It’s hard to enjoy when I know there’s a clean-up ahead,” she explained. “Baking alone is challenging enough; doing it with a toddler and a 3-year-old usually ends with a kitchen disaster—definitely not worth the trouble.”
Instead of stressing over Pinterest-style crafts, she prefers simpler joys: “I’d rather kick a ball around, take the bus to visit someone, or just chat and share laughs.”
‘Embrace Your Style’
The response on Instagram was overwhelmingly positive, with many moms resonating with her honesty. “I thought I was the only one!” commented @jessicastokes3020, while @catyeboah28 praised the refreshing frankness.
Maberly acknowledged that societal expectations can make it hard to admit these feelings. “It can feel shameful to say you don’t enjoy certain activities that are deemed ‘mom-approved,'” she remarked. “But I know I’m not alone, and sharing this can make others feel seen.”
She encouraged fellow moms to trust their instincts and find what works for them. “Try new things, but if it feels uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to switch gears. You’ll find your groove!” she advised. “Let’s focus on the uniqueness of each parent-child bond instead of conforming to stereotypes.”