The Challenges and Rewards of Motherhood

I have been working on my parenting skills for a majority of my adult life. Because, I became a mom at a very young age. I found out I was pregnant with my first child shortly after I graduated from high-school. The decision to choose life was an easy one for me. As a Catholic I knew that I needed to give that baby a chance. Originally, I was planning on marrying the father but we split up and I was a single mom for nearly five years.

Raising a very spirited toddler by myself while attending college full time was challenging. But I never gave up. I remember feeling lonely and depressed when my friends would be going out and I was stuck at home with my child. I knew that the Lord would help me get through all of that and I was doing the best thing for my daughter. I never gave up.


Today I am a mother to three children with our fourth on the way in August. I still struggle with depression, and homesickness but I try not to let that interfere with my parenting. Sometimes when my son has a meltdown late in the evening I am so tired and depressed that I just don't want to deal with him. I hide under the covers on the couch and pretend that, "Mommy isn't here." I know I need to get the strength to pick myself up and take care of my kids but it is hard.



When you children are driving you nuts, or you are tired and depressed it can be hard to just get through your day. There are several families like mine that are hurting because of the tough economy. We had to pick up ourselves and move across the country. I am still homesick. My husband is the only one working and he works just part time. Life is difficult.



Despite all the challenges of being a parent and running a household, you have to try your best to remain positive. Children can also lift your spirits like the time we were dancing in the kitchen to Disney songs. I always think about the silly things that they do to put a smile on my face. Like when we are driving in the car, but in their minds we are "going to the moon." Or the time when your eleven-year-old decides she'd rather sit on the couch and watch "Cities of the Underworld" on the History Channel with you instead of "Hannah Montana." And I can't forget about all the hugs, kisses and I love you's I get every night at bed time. Motherhood is quite a ride.

*This article first appeared on the Healthy Moms Magazine in June of 2009. The author is now a mother of five children.

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