Why I’m Done Saying ‘I’m Tired’ as a Mom — And Why You Should Too
Posted on 22 July 2025 by Elena Moreno — 4 min
Ever been told, ‘You look tired’ — as if it’s a secret you’re trying to hide? If you’re a mom, chances are you have. And honestly? It’s exhausting. Not just the physical tiredness from sleepless nights and endless to-do lists, but the emotional fatigue that comes with constantly defending your state of being. I recently read a revealing article titled ‘Yes, as a mom of 4, I'm tired. But I don't like when strangers point that out’, and it struck a chord deep inside me. The author shared how random strangers comment on her large family and inevitably remark on how tired she must be — something many moms encounter daily. But here’s the twist: she’s had enough. So have I. And maybe you have too.
Why does ‘You look tired’ feel like an insult?
Because it’s not just about exhaustion — it’s about the underlying judgment. Like somehow being tired is a sign you’re failing or not coping well enough. It overlooks the strength it takes to keep going, day after day. As moms, society tends to spotlight our fatigue like a badge, but rarely celebrates our resilience or the joy we find amidst the chaos.
So what if we flipped the narrative?
What if instead of apologizing for our tiredness, we honored the immense work it takes to create and nurture life? And what if we granted ourselves more grace, whether that’s from strangers, family, or our inner voice?
The emotional labor behind getting pregnant and raising children
For many, the journey to motherhood itself is a profound challenge — sometimes filled with uncertainty, medical appointments, and endless hope. Organizations like MakeAMom understand this well. They provide at-home insemination kits designed for individuals and couples looking for alternatives to clinical fertility treatments. The process can be isolating and stressful, yet these systems empower people to take control over their fertility journey in a private, cost-effective way.
Knowing that nearly 67% of clients have success using these kits is more than just a statistic — it’s a testament to perseverance, innovation, and hope. This is the kind of strength that goes unnoticed but deserves every ounce of appreciation.
Dealing with comments and judgments: my personal take
From experience, having ready-made responses to comments about being ‘so tired’ or ‘how do you do it?’ can be a game-changer. Here are a few I’ve found helpful:
- “Tired? Absolutely. But grateful beyond words.”
- “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
- “Every day brings new challenges, and new joys.”
These shifts in mindset help reclaim the narrative from exhaustion to resilience.
Why community support matters more than ever
Feeling supported — whether through online forums, local groups, or resources — can make all the difference. Here at Conceptera, we believe in building a community where visitors can share experiences and find validation. Whether you’re navigating conception challenges or simply overwhelmed by motherhood’s demands, you’re not alone.
And if you’re exploring fertility options, companies like MakeAMom offer discreet, practical tools that can fit your lifestyle, something I find reassuring in this fast-paced world.
So, what’s the takeaway?
Instead of dreading the comment ‘You look tired,’ maybe we can use it as a gateway to more honest conversations about what it truly means to be a mom. Exhaustion is real — but so is joy, strength, creativity, and love. It’s okay to feel all those things at once.
Next time someone tells you that, try to see it as a compliment of your hard work rather than a critique. And if you’re feeling tired today, remember that it’s just one chapter in your story — a testament to everything you’re doing, even when no one’s watching.
What’s your go-to response when someone comments on your tiredness? Or your favorite way to recharge in the madness of motherhood? Share your thoughts below — let’s support each other through this beautiful, messy journey. 💕