7 Relatable Situations When Women Feel Mom Guilt (And How To Cope)

Becoming a mom completely transformed my life. Suddenly, I had no time for anything, and I was on an emotional rollercoaster all day, every day. Besides that, I faced countless challenges.

I did find joy in spending time with my baby and witnessing his milestones, but at the same time, I was plagued by something many moms know as “mom guilt.”

Whenever things didn’t go as planned—whether it was a cluttered house, a failed school project, or a missed milestone—guilt would quickly creep in.

Moms face emotional struggles from various sources, and they manifest in different ways. But there are some common triggers for mom guilt.

If you look for relatable stories on TikTok, you’ll find numerous videos where women share their experiences with mom guilt. So let’s dive in:

1. “I could have handled that better”

Leah Rae talks about those moments in motherhood when you try your best, only to realize later that you could have handled the situation better, leaving you feeling guilty.

She starts by sharing how she initially thought mom guilt was just about leaving your kids with your parents to enjoy some time out, but then she understood it’s much more:

Leah shares some truly relatable situations where moms often feel guilty:

“Mom guilt is having a rough day and feeling bad for being frustrated. It’s wishing for time to pass, then wishing they were small again.”

“Mom guilt is wanting a different life for you and your baby and then feeling guilty for working. It’s feeling like I’m not doing enough for my child.”

There’s this immense love you have for your child, but you’re also exhausted, and your body desperately needs rest. Yet, when you do rest, guilt starts to consume you.

If you choose to keep working, you feel like you’re letting your child down. No matter how dedicated you are, you always feel like you could do more.

2. “I feel guilty for taking time for myself”

As moms, we often prioritize our family’s needs over our own, feeling guilty when we take time for ourselves. Whether it’s a night out with friends, a solo vacation, or just a quiet bath, the idea of self-care can feel selfish.

Lisa P argues that alone time is a fundamental human need:

“Alone time is a necessity. When you go without it for too long, you start to crack.”

Being a mom means being constantly overwhelmed and overstimulated. Don’t be hard on yourself for taking time for yourself. You need it to be a better mom. Go ahead and take a break!

3. “I feel bad for using technology too much”

Among other things that trigger her mom guilt, Angeline highlights the guilt that comes with using technology.

We all know that too much screen time can be harmful to our kids’ development. I always strive to ensure they get enough outdoor play and fresh air, but sometimes I let them watch TV.

Balance is key, so you can take a short break while they’re entertained by screens, but ensure they engage in interactive play afterward.

4. “I feel awful for losing my temper and raising my voice”

We’re human, and it’s tough to handle all the stress and emotional ups and downs. Sometimes you just snap. Then you feel terrible because you fear you’ll traumatize your kids with your outbursts. I’ve been there.

Remember that all parents lose their temper sometimes, it’s a normal part of parenthood. Try to shower your kids with love and stay calm; it will all balance out. You’re not a terrible person.

You’ll see yourself in Katie’s reel – sometimes you’re annoyed because you can’t even eat lunch in peace, and then your kid gives you a hug, and the guilt sets in.

5. “I feel like a bad mother for not breastfeeding”

Parenting is full of potential guilt-traps. When breastfeeding becomes a challenge and formula steps in, it feels terrible.

One woman followed her pediatrician’s advice to use formula, but she still feels bad about it.

You feel like you’ve failed as a mom, like you’re letting your baby down. Then you see all those moms on TikTok discussing breastfeeding as if it’s a breeze, and it stings.

Listen, breastfeeding or formula—both are perfectly okay. What matters is that your baby is growing and healthy.

6. “I feel guilty for getting back to work”

Whether you decide to pursue your career or stay at home, guilt tends to find a way.

Our most productive work years often coincide with our prime childbearing years. We set high standards for ourselves, aiming to be excellent wives, mothers, and employees.

Balancing work and family can be another trigger for mom guilt. Many working mothers feel bad about not spending enough time with their kids. It’s exhausting and often leaves you feeling stretched thin.

When asked, “What’s the hardest part of being a working mom?” Nikkole shares her experience:

Conversely, stay-at-home moms might feel guilty for not contributing financially to their families. They can also face criticism from others who view them as lazy or lacking ambition, affecting their self-confidence.

7. “I’m such a bad parent”

When children act up or face developmental issues, moms often blame themselves. You might feel inadequate as a parent or responsible for your child’s struggles.

Jordan shares how she feels after a rough day, once the baby is asleep:

Moms also feel judged by others, and people are quick to question their choices. That can lead to anxiety and self-doubt.

Remember, no one is perfect. All parents make mistakes, even when they try their best. Parents are only human.

To make parenting easier, try reading books on child psychology and seek advice from more experienced parents. Motherhood is challenging, but remember, you’re not alone. Every mom has moments of doubt. Never forget the importance of self-care and taking time for yourself. It’s your right and responsibility. Your kids deserve a happy mom.