For as long as I can remember, I’ve been told that I “think about it too much.” While I’ve learned that this isn’t always a bad thing, sometimes it’s a difficult thing, especially since becoming a mother.
If you’re a mom who’s prone to overthinking like me, you’ll probably agree that it’s simply because you care so much about the subject, and that’s a good thing! But overthinking can equal worrying, especially when it comes to our children. Here are eight things moms regularly worry about.
8 Things Moms Worry About
You are not alone if you tend to think and worry too much. Overthinking mothers often worry about things like:
1. Something is happening to our children
This is a given. What parent doesn’t worry that something bad will happen to their babies? For those who tend to think too much, this anxiety among moms can easily be exacerbated. We want to protect our children at all costs, but we know that our options are limited. And that’s a disturbing pill to swallow.
2. Something is happening to us
As an overthinking mother, the thought that something could happen to me can be almost as daunting as the thought that something could happen to my babies. Even though I don’t like to think about the worst-case scenario, I can’t bear the thought of my little people ever being without me during their childhood. Nobody knows her as well as I do. The mother-child bond is unparalleled and it scares me to think that someone else is responsible for providing them with adequate comfort, safety and security.
3. Whether we are doing enough
Motherhood is a 24/7 job and there is no annual check-in to reassure us of our performance. At the end of most days, I can’t help but lie awake worrying if I’m doing enough for my children. Are you getting enough one-on-one time with me? Am I playing on the floor with them enough or providing them enough nutritious, kid-friendly meals? Am I teaching them enough? The worries continue.
4. When we are enough
In addition to wondering if I’m doing enough every day, I often wonder if who I am as a mother is enough for my babies. Am I patient enough? Compassionate enough? Understood enough? You get the gist. If you’re an overthinking mom, you can do your best day in and day out and still question whether you’re treating your children in a way that always makes them feel unconditionally loved, seen, and supported. If you’re like me, these worries are enough to drive you crazy.
Spoiler alert: I am enough. You are enough. Even in our less than perfect moments, we are exactly the mothers our babies need!
5. How other people treat our children
I never want anyone to make my babies feel less love and respect than they deserve, but I know our world is not always sunshine. As an overthinking mother, I constantly worry that someone will say or do something to hurt my children, whether intentionally or unintentionally. These little people have the purest hearts I have ever known, and the thought of the sarcastic comment, boundary crossing, or unkind treatment of others toward them is heartbreakingly painful.
6. Our relationships with our partners
Have two under two has dramatically changed my relationship with my husband. Nearly three years after becoming parents, we’re still figuring out how to swim through the waves of change that inevitably come and go. No parent is perfect, including no relationship. Knowing that I set the standard for what my children expect from their future relationships brings a lot of pressure to get everything right.
7. The decisions we make about our children’s future
Raising babies and soaking them at a young age is one thing. Giving our children the best possible future is something completely different. No matter how early we become mothers, overthinking mothers worry about everything from the start. For starters? How we choose to educate our children from preschool through high school, what we should (and may or may not) set aside financially for our children, and even where we live.
8. When our children know how loved they are
Loving my son and daughter is the easiest thing I’ve ever done, but that doesn’t mean I don’t wonder if they know how loved they are. Despite countless hugs and kisses: “I love you” daily affirmations, and as much valuable time as possible, I want to give more and more to my children. I just hope they know how loved, valued and appreciated they are.
As an overthinking mom, I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. Taking 100% responsibility for raising other people is a big task. So it’s only natural to worry a little from time to time. . . or sometimes, a lot. So be careful with yourself, mom. You’re doing great.
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