Hi there. Gen X mom of three here. It’s been a couple of decades since I was in your shoes, but I remember those worn soles (and the tired feet that walked in them) well.

I’m not here to offer you advice, knowing how insufferable that can be from older moms. (I wrote a whole article once about why young moms shouldn’t listen to older mothers, because we all get “momnesia.” Anyone who tells you to “enjoy every moment” has simply forgotten the reality of raising little ones and is only remembering the sweet adorableness of those years. Saturday Night Live even parodied this fact.)

Instead, I want to offer some what-to-expect wisdom from someone who has traversed her own parenting path, enjoyed its spectacular vistas, navigated its obstacles, and stumbled into its thorny brambles. I remember what it was like to start the journey with a backpack full of ideals, and to find that the path was a lot more harrowing than I expected.

You’re doing better than you think

If it all feels impossible some days, that’s because it is. Parenting babies and toddlers is an all-consuming task to add on top of normal life. I look at moms of toddlers now and wonder how I did it. The joy and adorableness of those ages is hard to beat. But the exhaustion is real. The overwhelm is real. You’re doing great, I promise.

If you cared enough to click on this article, I assume you are a conscientious mom doing her best. That’s literally half the battle. There are, sadly, parents out there who should not be parents. Whatever your background, whatever baggage you’re bringing on this journey, making the effort to do your best........

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