From Diapers to Dreams: Embracing a New Chapter of Motherhood

Hello, dear mothers!

As I sit here reflecting on my journey, I can’t help but marvel at how far I’ve come. From the days of changing diapers and school breaks to watching my four sons chart their paths in the world, it's been a wild ride! Now, I find myself on the brink of a new chapter, with my youngest son graduating from high school in 2026. Time truly flies!

It’s a bittersweet emotion, isn’t it? While I feel pride bursting in my heart for my sons—one is pursuing filmmaking in college, the oldest is bravely driving an 18-wheeler, and my second oldest is serving as a Marine in Japan—I also recognize the challenges that come with watching them grow. It makes me think of all the heartfelt prayers I've sent up and those who have been supportive along the way, asking God to guide them and protect them in a world that can be overwhelming.

Life as a mother is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of joy, anxiety, hope, and love. We must lift each other up, reminding ourselves of the strength we possess and, more importantly, the grace bestowed upon us. 

In moments of doubt, I find comfort in the wisdom of scripture. Here are a few uplifting verses to share:

• Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
• Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
• Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

In my journey, I can’t help but think of a remarkable woman from the Bible: Jochebed, the mother of Moses. In a time when Pharaoh decreed that all Hebrew boys be killed, Jochebed chose to protect and nurture her son, trusting in God’s plan. Her faith and bravery led to the salvation of not just her child, but the deliverance of the people of Israel. Jochebed’s story reminds us that being a mother often means facing societal pressures and fears head-on, trusting in the strength God provides.

To all you mothers out there, whether you’re in the thick of toddler tantrums or managing the chaos of adulthood, remember that your journey is unique and precious. Celebrate every milestone, big or small!

Let’s be encouraging to one another, sharing our struggles and triumphs in this beautiful calling of motherhood. There may be days filled with tears and uncertainty—but joy is also just around the corner if we keep our eyes on our children and our faith in God.

As we move forward into 2026, let’s continue to uplift each other and cherish the amazing gift of motherhood. We’ve come so far, and while the challenges ahead might feel daunting, we also have an incredible legacy of love and strength.

Keep praying, keep hoping, and always remember: you are not alone in this journey.

With all my love,

Nicholl

Family Crises: Support and Resources for Moms

Life can be unpredictable, especially for women with children. Balancing the demands of family, career, and personal life can sometimes lead to overwhelming challenges. Whether you’re managing a mental health crisis, dealing with financial hardships, or facing the emotional toll of a family separation, it’s essential to know that you’re not alone. 

Understanding Common Crises

As we journey through motherhood, we may encounter various crises that can strain our families. Here are some common challenges:

1. Mental Health Issues: Many of us experience bouts of anxiety or depression. When these feelings intensify, it can affect our ability to care for our children and ourselves.

2. Substance Abuse: Substance abuse can disrupt family life and create a cycle of stress and confusion.

3. Domestic Violence: If you or someone you know is in an unsafe situation, it’s crucial to seek help immediately. No one should suffer in silence.

4. Financial Struggles: Unexpected job loss or mounting debt can create a sense of instability. This can be particularly challenging when we’re trying to provide for our children.

5. Health Emergencies: A sudden illness or injury can change everything, shifting the family’s focus and responsibilities dramatically.

6. Natural Disasters: Events like floods or hurricanes can displace families and leave us feeling lost and vulnerable.

7. Divorce or Separation: The emotional fallout from a breakup can be profound, affecting not just us but our children as well.

8. Child Abuse or Neglect: If you suspect a child is in danger, it’s vital to reach out for help. Protecting children is a top priority.

9. Loss of a Loved One: Grieving can be a long process, especially when children are involved. It’s essential to navigate these feelings together as a family.

10. Unexpected Life Changes: Whether it’s a move or a change in family structure, adjustments can be challenging at any age.

Finding Support

When crises arise, it’s essential to have a support system in place. Here are some organizations that can help:

- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): They offer support groups and resources specifically for families dealing with mental health issues. 

- Family Support America: This organization provides various resources to help families in need, offering guidance and support.

- The Family Institute: Focused on counseling, they help families navigate through tough times.

- Crisis Text Line: A text-based support service available 24/7 for anyone in crisis, including families.

- The National Domestic Violence Hotline: If you’re experiencing domestic violence, this hotline provides support and resources to help you find safety.

- SAMHSA: Their helpline offers assistance for families dealing with substance abuse issues.

- Children's Defense Fund: This organization advocates for children's rights and provides numerous resources for families.

You Are Not Alone

Facing a crisis can feel isolating, but remember that support is available. Reach out to friends, family, or professionals who can help guide you through these challenging times. Connecting with other women who understand your struggles can be incredibly empowering. 

If you find yourself in a crisis, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are many resources and people ready to support you on this journey. Together, we can navigate the complexities of family life and emerge stronger. 

Being a mom comes with its challenges, but it also brings wisdom and resilience. Embrace the support around you, and remember: it’s okay to ask for help. You are doing an incredible job, even when it feels overwhelming. Let’s lift each other up and tackle these challenges together.

When Mothers Cry Family

Motherhood is not One Size Fits All - variety of moms with many needs

Motherhood Through the Years

No One Said Being a Mother Was Easy at Any Stage

If there was one thing I learned from experience and talking to other mothers, it isn't easy being a parent--it requires work mentally, physically and spiritually!  No matter what stage these boys were in from newborn to young adult, we had our share of parenting challenges.

A lot of what I personally went through emotionally in the past had much to do with trying to be all things to them even when I could have done the following such as: delegated responsibilities, limited or withheld spending my money--let someone else pay for something, avoided certain topics that I didn't feel I was ready to discuss, took more time-outs for self--without children, sought counseling rather than hold things in at times, build a personal network of strong mothers, and more.

The "should have, could have, would have..." internal speech did nothing more than brought on regrets and harsh criticism from myself or others who felt like they could say something not-so positive or encouraging.  Know-it-all moms, well they don't make the best listeners, now do they?  What I know now is what I am proactively doing: delegating, networking, saving, etc.  I refuse to be the mom feeling like it is me against "they," because I just want to see everyone happy.  I still have work to do concerning myself and parenting my children--by the love of God, I will do it!

These days I am so over trying to be the "best Mom" by being all things to them.  The boys are old enough to cook, clean, organize, schedule activities, make money, and a couple sons are responsible enough to shop for themselves utilizing their own budgets and saving money.

One child, still at home, shared just the other day with his father via text, "Mom didn't cook."  Excuse me!?  I yelled, "You know how to cook!  Why didn't you tell him, "You didn't cook!"  Looks like that one will have a hungry belly if he doesn't crack open a recipe book or search the 'Net.  He was quite confident that day he was going to get a hot fast food meal once again from dad, but he didn't cave in to the pressure.  Dad brought something home that needed to be cooked.  However, our son should have been in the kitchen cooking.  Dad cooked (sigh).  The child is almost 13 years old and cooked plenty of hamburgers and other foods in the past!  Why stop now?  Most of the things he selected when we went to the grocery store, he could just pop in the microwave!  Go figure!?

At this parenting stage, raising teens, I am dealing with the spirit of laziness and procrastination with two out of the four. The other two sons are older.  I am working on keeping the second eldest motivated to get a second job so that he can achieve his goal, getting his own place.  He needs two incomes.  The eldest he has his own place, but he rarely calls.  He says he is busy working, he has two jobs.  He knows cost of living isn't cheap when you are on your own.  I continue to encourage him when I do reach out--there is no turning back.  Son, enjoy the much sought after freedom like I did when I swung the door wide exiting my parent's home long ago :)

Remember staying up late nights because your child was sick, active, hungry, or crying due to a painful tooth coming in?  Well, these days the concern comes and goes when they are out at night whether riding or walking.  I spend time praying like I did when they were babies.  I refuse to lose sleep like I once did. God you got this!

Once they started walking, they were getting into whatever they could get into!  We bought fencing to keep them out of hazardous things and other items that we simply got tired of saying, "No, let's go over here...play with this toy."  Now we have to persuade two of the four boys to come out of their bedrooms and take a break from the screens.  There are battles sometimes.  The comforts in their bedroom will soon go away when it is time to start looking for a job.  They wanted so bad to explore their little worlds when they were younger, well soon they can when they are older!

Yes, motherhood hasn't been easy at any stage, but I manage.  I know that there is more to parenting young adults in the future; however, I will admit, I am so over having my own cute babies.  So I hear grandparenting is easy only when you can send them back home and they aren't often in your care--great!?

Nicholl McGuire  owner of this blog and author of When Mother's Cry and Tell Me Mother You're Sorry.

Are You Your Child's Friend?

Websites Worth a Look - Help with Motherhood Concerns

Motherhood Woes

Mother's Issues - MOBI Motherhood International

Motherhood Issues - Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Pregnancy Week by Week, Pregnancy Information | Pregnancy…

6 Common Problems of Surrogacy | surrogatemothers.org


Family Conflict

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In-law Conflict and Troubled Marriages | Psychology Today

What Makes a Daughter-in-Law Resent Her Husband's Mother ...

The 5 things your marriage needs each day to make it divorce proof


Parenting

Your Newborn Baby | BabyCenter

Toddler | What to Expect

Parenting School-Age Children - HealthyChildren.org

School Age Children Development & Parenting Tips (6-12)

A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years - kidshealth.org

Therapy for Teens: What to Expect - WebMD

Parenting Young Adults Advice from About.com

15 tips for parenting young adults at home - familyshare.com

We Asked Real Moms - What is Motherhood?

Natural Hair Show: Speaker Discusses Challenges of Motherhood

No One Size Fits All When it Comes to Motherhood Accomplishments, Failures

I have read many articles and blog entries over the years about where mothers should be when it comes to different stages in their lives.  A twenty-something woman has graduated from college and is starting out in her career and quite possibly saving for a future home, retirement, etc., a thirty-something woman has money saved up for a house while hoping to get married and have a baby, and then the forty-something woman is supposed to be stable in her career and ushering children off to college.  Sounds about right for you?  Not hardly.  Most mothers don't fit into these groups the way some of these mainstream news media outlets report.  The information they provide is what they hope the majority would do by using various examples that might inspire many young women to start off in life that appears to be most beneficial: college, career, marriage, children, etc.  But as most of us moms know, our children dictate much of our lives once they are here while they reach milestone after milestone.  There comes a point in our journey where we have to take a step back and let a husband and/or children shine.  How long that occurs we never know depending on what our situations require?  A disabled child, a cheating partner, a crazy parent, debt, extracurricular activities...one never knows when life will settle down long enough for us to say, "Now my turn!" We find ourselves jumping right into achieving goals at times when it appears to be the wrong time when it is really right.

Those career goals you once had changed once you fell in love and had children.  The peace and quiet to do what you want at anytime of the day no longer existed when you moved in with a man or he with you.  Then throw in relatives and friends into the mix and now a daughter or son wants to either stay in the hometown she once grew up or move as far away from it as she possibly can.  Things change sometimes for the better and other times for the worse!  We ride with change or die trying.

Mothers don't come to this blog because they have it all together, they show up with pain in their hearts, frustrated with choices, irritated with spouses and children, and more, but through it all they thrive anyway.  Each challenge presents a life lesson and we either embrace, push back, ignore, fight, or move on!  For we know, only the strong survive!

You and I didn't go through childbirth just to have bragging rights we survived, we went through such a profound experience to be released from all those things that bound us mentally, physically and spiritually.  We were to look at our children and recognize the fact that we are responsible for looking beyond ourselves now, mature, grow, teach, etc. we are to experience another dimension of our existence in this life.  It was never meant to be all painful or all joyous.

I personally think that some mothers have lost sight of who they are as women, mothers, wives and/or spiritual beings.  They have permitted worldly activities to weaken their minds, covetousness and jealousy to divide their hearts, over-eating to slowly kill them, and life challenges to separate them from their Creator and His will for their lives.

There is no one size that fits all mothers and don't let anyone throw you in one big box labeled, "This is what motherhood is supposed to look like."  In addition, there is no chart that can be used to track our progress which tells us, "You have arrived, now do this...and if you don't make it here, then something is wrong with you."

So keep on crying mother, release the pressure, and then get back out there and win at whatever you know you are called to do.  And if you don't know, then you might want to take more time praying, and less time being bombarded with people and things that constantly analyze you.  Meditate on wise books, may I suggest the Holy Bible for starters?

Nicholl McGuire shares spiritual insight on YouTube channel: nmenterprise7

Protect Your Sacred Motherhood - Ordained to Bring Life, Protect, Love and Then Let Go

Who might you be, Mother?  A mere mortal used to bring life into a troubled world or one who was chosen by a Creator to experience something so holy one cannot express in words?  Whatever this label we call "motherhood" let us walk in it and experience all that it has to offer on a much higher level, one that even the men who helped us bring life into this world couldn't fathom.

You see while men go about their days working, feeling good about their material accomplishments, and behaving in ways whether good, bad or otherwise at work and elsewhere, we spiritual mothers must take needed time to ponder our roles--re-evaluate what we are doing and not doing as well as how we can usher our families forward through life challenges.

So foolish we are to take our mommy roles so lightly, we sometimes act like the immature children we raise.  We carelessly move along in life hoping/wishing/praying for the best without thinking what path shall we direct our children, based not on our selfish needs, but those that our Creator has shown us.  Those of us, who know better, place children in the right direction but when they object, we take them off the right path and place them squarely in the middle of  the crossroads while yelling, "You pick!  I'm sick of this...Why is he/she always crying about whatever I tell him or her!  I give up!"  Of course that is what men, women and children of darkness would want.  "Please give up mother, we have a role for your child.  Don't stress, why not busy yourself, we will pick a path for him or her?  We know how overwhelmed you tend to be crying mother, here sit down, we will help your children."

For some of you readers, you should feel motivated to want to do some things differently when it comes to parenting.  Take a look at the decisions you made so far.  Are you happy with them?  What more do you have to do?  What is causing you great concern these days regarding your role, your children, and relationship?  Is there anything in your power you can change?

So far, you have protected your children from those unexpected dangers, pain, evil, and more.  The love is evident for many moms while others not so much, but one day you will need to let go whether you finally get it when it comes to be loving, kind, nurturing, etc. or not.  You will still need to free those babies turned adults one day if you want them to have healthy, successful lives with someone other than you.  Unfortunately, far too many moms call sons and daughters back to the nest and then cry and complain about why they won't go.  Mothers, you will need to trust that whatever knowledge, tools, and other things you have given your children will be good enough in school, at a relative's home, daycare, in stores, on field trips, at a workplace, in a marriage, etc.

Society doesn't want any believers in a righteous God to live out their calling as mother.  There is ample evidence to prove this including the sheer number of opportunities, temptations, false teachings, and more that are given to families to separate them not only from children but from all things spiritual.  Dad mocks biblical teachings.  Children rebel about not wanting to listen or read anything spiritual.  There is tension in the air when God is mentioned and so mom goes into hiding careful not to rock the boat with things like rules, order, discipline, wise counsel, etc.  She becomes nothing more than a babysitter, a servant, or a picture on the wall decorating the home.  She lives there and maintains the environment, but that is really all she does.  No life lessons are ever taught.

While you believe that what many call is "help" for mom, the truth is upon closer inspection there is little sincere help!  There are money-grabbers, soul snatchers, users, and abusers.  If you don't give up something to get that help, you and/or children are banned, left out, put out, and/or hurt.  Keep giving someone or a group what they want and you get all the assistance you need.  

While you are concerned about your children becoming victims of tragic circumstances, know that you too can be a potential victim having first your mind (mother's wisdom) robbed from you, then your sons/daughters, and last your soul.  Think twice about what you put before your eyes and your children's and know the difference between right and wrong and keep enforcing the rules!  The of discipline is still very popular in many circles.  Start by reading the word of God.  See Proverbs 22:6 if you haven't already.

Nicholl McGuire

The Best Thing about Motherhood, The Worse

No matter what you might do to be content with being a parent, it will never be good enough.  You will have those moments that no words you might say to your children when it comes to disciplining, teaching, and encouraging them will be enough.  No amount of money and time spent with them will be enough.

Further, there are those times that you just don't explain things in the way you really, really want to communicate them--especially when you hear what you supposedly said back out of little lips.  The children missed the lesson, that's not what you meant, and how could they have heard that when you said XYZ?

The best thing about motherhood is knowing that somehow you were chosen out of all the women in the world that wanted to be moms and the worse is being held accountable for another human being's life--to much is given much is required.

You, a flawed human being who would have never thought in a thousand years that you were going to be a mom, much less the kind of mom you are today, became one anyway--chosen by a mighty Creator!  Be the circumstances right or wrong how your child or children arrived, their here and you still have some degree of sanity through it all!  God bless you!

What others meant for evil, what others thought was wrong, and what people said they could never do, you did--you brought life into the world and for that you are commended!  No holiday is necessary and no honor is required, because you know who you are and your purpose, be there for your children whether near or far through briers and thorns--be available.

So what comes next after another milestone is reached, a grade level is passed, a birthday is celebrated, a disappointment shows up, and a child is in trouble once again, another life lesson.  One more chance to do things like:  make up for past wrongs, teach a son or daughter a valuable lesson, give him or her a needed gift, and sit back and appreciate life with your child or children.

For we never know the day or hour when a goodbye might be our last one whether we say it to them or they say it to us.

Nicholl McGuire 

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Dealing with Drama: The Mom's View

The Untold Stories of Motherhood

Mother Declares Her Children Are "the Biggest Regret of Her Life"

And you thought it would be easy...you thought everyone just loved being a mom. 

Lack of spiritual and physical support when raising children, money woes, demands to be a better mom, disrespectful partners, mean-spirited in-laws, spoiled children, and much more can contribute to a mother wishing she never had children.

Mother Declares Her Children Are "the Biggest Regret of Her Life"

Reflections of Motherhood

A Story of How One Woman Finds Peace in Her Storm - When Motherhood Conflicts With Dreams and Hopes

A Story of How One Woman Finds Peace in Her Storm - When Motherhood Conflicts With Dreams and Hopes

Motherhood Peaks and Valleys: What are yours?

There are the perceptions that others have of the kind of mother you are, who you should be, or the mother you once were.  Others' ideas influence the way we view ourselves.  Whether we receive positive or negative reviews from so-called well-meaning family and friends, we try to do the things that not only help our reputation as mothers, but also appease others.  When we find ourselves more concerned about what other people think; rather than what our Creator thinks, we get ourselves into trouble!  Physical issues surface, mental anguish is experienced and those around us are negatively impacted ie.) anger outbursts and forgetfulness.  These moments are considered our valleys--down moments.  The places in our motherhood journey where we feel at an all-time low. 

Our culture tends to esteem mothers, make them feel as if the weight of the world is upon their shoulders, because we are supposed to be so strong, wise, and loving.  Mother is to talk, walk and act in a certain way when it comes to parenting.  In some circles, she isn't provided with real support despite an individual or group claiming to support her.  Sometimes she is in a valley moment all by herself!  Her own mother doesn't have a good listening ear, because she is most likely in a valley moment by herself--sometimes comparing her own experiences to her daughters.  Too overwhelmed, nervous, or fearful to offer any sound advice, these older mothers don't have much to share when it comes to stories of victory. In addition, there is the partner or best friend who is often busy doing other things to even notice that mom is struggling these days with being a parent.

Valley moments happen, but in order to overcome them you must constantly remind yourself, "This too shall pass," as mentioned in the Holy Bible.  Redirect your focus and come up higher.  Find the path that will lead you out of your valley moment.  Stay in the valley too long and the storms of life might overtake you!  A mother is no good to her family in a hospital bed!  Once we arrive at those mountain peaks (up moments) in our motherhood journey, it is time to break for rest.  Some of us, don't allow ourselves to do that and so back down the valley we go.  Angry, hurt, confused, bitter, jealous, or some other emotion we experience, because other mothers "appear" like they are doing much better than us.  We deceive ourselves into thinking that we have had enough quiet time or peace after a valley moment.  Some of us prematurely arrive to a peak, then end up falling back down into the valley.

Appreciate those "up" moments when no one is calling to go out, no one is in need of you, and no one is interrupting you while going here and there with unnecessary chatter.  The world has tricked us into believing that a busy mother is a blessed one; rather a busy mother is a stressed one!  She is usually juggling too many things!  She may have a bank account filled with money and friends on speed dial, but is this really what reaching the top of one's motherhood journey really supposed to look like?  That is the world's definition of success which doesn't help us after this life is over. 

God blesses us with peaks in our motherhood journey that release us of our burdens not add to them.  Sometimes we confuse what we initiate when it comes to career, family, events and more with God's plan.  He doesn't tell us to be all we can be to everyone--to busy ourselves every part of the day.  God doesn't put anymore on us than we can bear!  To truly experience those peaks in one's motherhood journey, she must sit back, relax and tune into God.  Ask what might you need to do to experience more mountain peaks and less valley moments.

Reflect on those valleys God brought you out of, you know those times when you thought you were going to run away from the children, but didn't.  Those moments when you thought you were a bad parent, but you knew you really weren't.  You came up higher, didn't you?  Some of you have dropped some of those people and activities in your lives that were leaving you frazzled, frequently upset, and burdened financially, now you are enjoying many more positive moments in motherhood. 

Appreciate your peaks and valleys, moms!  Learn from them, then help a mother who may be struggling to walk with her head held high.

Nicholl McGuire