We’re never really prepared for this, are we?

Maybe motherhood was something you always dreamed of. Or maybe it came unexpectedly–sudden, overwhelming, even scary. Maybe your tears come from grief—for the lines that never appeared, the heartbeat you never heard, or the baby you never got to hold. Maybe you’re not holding a child’s hand at all, but parenting in a way that looks different from what you imagined.

However, we got here, and one thing is true: we’re here.

We’re here on sleepless nights, the first “mama,” the tight little hug after a long day. We’re here in the tantrums, the eye rolls, the deep late-night talks. This is the beauty and the ache of motherhood.

Every journey into motherhood is different. Every story is unique. But none of us is alone. Don’t believe the lie that you are. Speak up. Don’t let fear, guilt, or shame silence you. Your story matters. And I promise—somewhere out there is another mom walking a path that looks like yours. Maybe she’s waiting for someone to share the load. Maybe you are the voice she’s been needing to hear.

It’s a big world. And as you begin to release your child into it, remember it’s okay to worry. Just don’t let the worry consume you. God loves your child even more than you do. He’s writing their story—one we can’t fully shield them from.

So, pray. Pray every day. Let the carpet show the wear of your knees. Let your Bible absorb the tears you’ve cried—in fear, anger, and hope. God is strong enough for all of it.

And you, Mama—you matter. Your health matters. Your heart, your body, your mind, your soul. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Take the meds. Go to the appointment. Talk to someone. That’s not weakness—it’s wisdom. You’re not the first mom to struggle, and you won’t be the last. Don’t stay stuck in silence.

And please—have fun. Parenting doesn’t have to be all structure and stress. Skip the chores sometimes. Make up silly songs to remind our kids of chores (our “Let It Go” remix is a household classic). Not every consequence needs to be heavy—sometimes all it takes is the threat of a dramatic “Slay, Queen!” shouted at school drop-off if your kid’s being “so Ohio.” Throw a dance party in the middle of a hard day. Eat popcorn for dinner. Yes, really.

It’s okay to grieve the motherhood you hoped for. To mourn the version of yourself you thought you’d be. To sit in the hard parts of parenting and feel the ache of letting go. None of it is too much for God.

Maybe this isn’t what you expected. Maybe joy gave way to stress, and the story you had planned turned into one filled with appointments, tough conversations, and an unexpected diagnosis. That pain is real. And you don’t have to carry it alone.

So, find your people. Surround yourself with community—those who’ve been there, those walking alongside you now, and those just starting out. Share your story. Laugh, cry, learn, and grow together. Trade babysitting. Meet at the park. Sit in the chaos, coffee in hand.

Because motherhood is too hard to do alone, and thank God—we don’t have to.

Keep smiling. Keep laughing. Keep dreaming, Mama.

With love,
A fellow mom walking beside you.

Kristen Cowman is the Children & Families Director at Parliament Community Church in Regina, SK, located near Harbour Landing. As a church, we offer programs for all ages, from children to youth, young adults to Seniors who are part of our Heritage groups. We are also diverse in cultural backgrounds but share a desire to grow as disciples of Christ together.