From small details like small talk at the grocery store cashier to big moments like getting married or being the keynote speaker at your company’s annual conference, life is one long sequence of conversations with others. When you’re a parent, it often feels easier to reach your maximum tolerance level—kids have a way of soaking up all the energy you might otherwise devote to socializing (having kids; it can be fun, they say). As a result, we sometimes feel stressed out by our daily interactions with others.
That seems to be the theme of this week’s roundup of confessions from real-life moms. For a mom, this means realizing that, hey, taking a break from your kids can actually make you a better parent. For others, they’re trying to figure out how to distance themselves from the in-laws, or are just annoyed with their partners. Read on to find out which demographic issues concern you most.
Horrible Mom Confessions is a tried and tested part of what makes our site so fun. If you’d like to confess anonymously, look for our weekly callouts on Instagram. To browse past Confessions, go here.
I couldn’t wait to leave my mother, but I knew it would break her heart.
Confession #41670450
I feel so angry at my husband for judging me when I’m vulnerable with him. closure.
Confession #45262885
I prefer dogs to people. Except my own children.
Confession #42799308
My husband wants to move out of state, but I don’t want to be closer to his mom 😭
Confession #43855924
Now that my baby spends every other week at her daddy’s, I’m a better mom.
Confession #49122409
I wish I could enjoy my kids without being in survival mode.
Confession #43332472
I was doing everything and no one noticed.
Confession #44687209
My child’s daily anxieties make me anxious.
Confession #48348845
Being pregnant with my second child and worrying that I would never be able to love it as much as I did my first.
Confession #45597480
I met a man in prison when I was working as a nurse, quit my job, got married in prison…no one knew.
Confession #45955448
No one noticed the traces they left as they moved throughout the day. I just clean it all up.
Confession #40039179
Having decided to seek out a therapist, I’m already feeling better.
Confession #44359629
I think my husband and son both have ADHD and it’s exhausting.
Confession #47824464
I wish I had not married into a joint family.
Confession #45342064
I feel totally overstimulated by my kids’ play and feel guilty for not doing much planning.
Confession #49570135