Tomorrow will be a better day; we dream, hoping it to be true. From the moment we wake up, demands are made of us. It doesn’t matter that we haven’t had our morning coffee or eaten a single bit of food.

Diapers need to be changed, butts to be wiped, mouths to be fed, the must-do’s are endless.

You planned to wake up early, but the alarm didn’t go off, or maybe you were up multiple times last night, so waking up early wouldn’t have worked.

Regardless, from the start of your day, you are already struggling. Your voice hurts from correcting every move, from playing referee, from trying to raise these kids to be respectful and productive members of society. You’re tired, exhausted, really. Those closest to you know how you feel, but you don’t want to be a burden.

You miss going out for coffee with friends, but it’s just not worth it when you constantly yell at the kids. The house is a wreck, and no amount of cleaning will keep it looking nice.

And then well-meaning but frustrating advice fills you with guilt. “Babies don’t keep,” they tell us as if it makes it any easier to parent during this challenging time. “Enjoy this season. You’ll miss it when they are gone”.

Deflated, we feel alone and tired. We love our kids, but we feel like we are losing ourselves. We feel selfish for wanting to hold on to the person we were before kids.

The seasons of motherhood are hard. They are tiring, emotional, frustrating at times. We know our children are blessings. We know this time will pass. We know. Yet still, we are struggling.

Momma, I see you, I feel you, I am you.

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What do you say to a struggling mother?

Depending on the season you are in, you are either the struggling mother in need of some encouragement, you’ve been there done that, or you have yet to experience what it truly feels like.

Regardless of the season, we’ve all come across the struggling mom.

The mom at the store trying to finish shopping, but her toddler is throwing a tantrum. You can see her clenching down, trying to appease her child so no one will look at them.

The young lady at church trying to nurse her baby under a cover, flustered as she navigates this new breastfeeding journey that may be natural but doesn’t always feel that way.

Or the friend who seems never to get a break from her kids or leave her house.

So, when we encounter a struggling mom, what do we say?

We don’t need to be reminded that life will get better or easier. We don’t need to be reminded that “babies don’t keep.” What we want are empathy and compassion.

What should you say?

Tell us “me too.” Commiserate with us, but also encourage us.

Remind us that we are doing well regardless of how it feels.

Remind us that God knows our flaws and weaknesses, and despite them, he still picked us to be our kid’s mothers. There was a reason for it. Remind us that no one can do what God designed us to do for them, even in our limited capacity.

Finally, sometimes the best thing you can say is nothing at all. Instead, sit with us, clean with us, do life with us. Struggling feels a lot better when we aren’t alone.

AA Milnebraver than you believe encouragement for struggling mom

Inspirational quotes for struggling moms

Download Free Quote PDF

We have all been there. We have had breakdowns or crying sessions. We have all felt inadequate or unworthy, lost and confused. But we don’t have to be alone. When we band together as sisters on this journey, imagine the impact on generations to come? So if you’re looking for words to say to encourage moms and you need some inspiration, check out the quotes below.

“Your greatest contribution to the Kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise” - Andy Stanley
“Finding balance as a mother means accepting your imperfections.” - Mary Organizes
“Motherhood is hard. I try my best, but some days I struggle to be the mama I want to be. I get exhausted. I make mistakes. I lose my cool. And some days I struggle to find myself. But, regardless how hard it gets, each day I still show up. And in the end, no one could ever love my child the way I do.” - Proud Happy Mama
“It’s not what you do for your children but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.” - Ann Landers
“Biology is the least of what makes someone a mother.” —Oprah Winfrey
“What good mothers and fathers instinctively feel like doing for their babies is usually best after all.” —Benjamin Spock
“You are enough. Be kind. To not let the voice of doubt tell you that you are not good enough.” - Shannon McGinnis
“You can make any great opportunity work if you are open and honest about what you need” - Anna Santolucito
“As a mama, you may see me struggle, but you will never see me quit.” - Proud Happy Mama
“Behind every great child is a mom who’s pretty sure she’s screwing it all up.” —Unknown
“It’s ok to have strengths and weaknesses as a mama. Some mamas play games, others listen well, some cook with love, and others are great encouragers. We don’t have to be everything, every day to our kids. We just need to show up and love them hard.” - Proud Happy Mama
“Always remember you are BRAVER than you believe, STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER than you think and LOVED more than you know” - A. A. Milne
“If you’re worried about being a good mother, it means you already are one” - Proud Happy Mama

Godly Encouragement for Moms

For the Christian momma, the Bible is a primary source of encouragement. Whether she’s a homeschooling momma that never leaves home, a wife whose husband works long hours, or a working woman, the Bible is the best source of encouragement.

Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.- Isaiah 46:4, NIV
For we live by believing and not by seeing - 2 Corinthians 5:7, NLT
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9, NIV
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens - Ecclesiastes 3:1, NIV
As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you…. - Isaiah 66:13, NIV
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” - Proverbs 31: 25-31, NIV

Remember, when she is in the pit of despair, remind her of God’s truth. All mothers need encouragement for the different seasons of motherhood. Whether it’s mothers day, her birthday, or a random day in between, take the time to fill her up.

Send her encouraging cards with these verses written inside.
Text her whenever she pops into your mind and include a verse.
Send her an email with a verse and why you thought it would be perfect for her.

Best gifts for the struggling mom

For some, words of encouragement only go so far. If that is you, or the momma in your life, these gift ideas are perfect for the struggling mom. Gifts can encourage and uplift in many of the same ways as words. Whether she’s a new mom, a working mom, or a mom of littles and just tired, these ideas are bound to bring her a bit of love and encouragement.

Encouraging Gifts for Any Mom:

struggle bus encouragement cards perfect for the mom whose struggling or tires — Encouraging Cards

These fun cards from Day Springs will lighten up anyones day. Either fill it with a sentimental note, or a favorite quote or verse.

Buy Cards

cute floral tumbler perfect gift to encourage tired mom — Floral Tumbler

Whether it’s water or iced coffee this tumbler is a cute surprise for your tired mom friend, or yourself.

Buy Tumbler

Purple+Yeti+Tumbler+perfect+gift+to+encourage+mom — Yeti Rambler 20 oz

The Yeti Rambler keeps coffee hot all day long. No more reheating coffee for all the exhausted momma’s out there.

Buy Travel Mug

for the tired mom:

Coffee shop gift card with a thermos that keeps coffee hot all day long.
Offer to watch the kids outside of her home (actually schedule a day and time/don’t leave it open-ended)
Ask to come over and watch the kids while mom showers or takes a nap.
Come over before mealtime, and help cook supper/watch the kids
Drop off a frozen meal to use whenever (Sam's Club has great dinner options that freeze well)
Drop off a fresh meal but don’t stay (sometimes entertaining is exhausting too)

Ideas for the new mom:

two coffee mugs with design grabbing coffee to uplift mom

Invite out for coffee, pay, and hold the baby so mom can enjoy her coffee.
Invite out for lunch, pay, and hold the baby/change diaper, etc…
Come over, and watch the baby while momma naps/showers, etc…
Come over and help fold the laundry, do other chores.
Set up a meal train
Come over, and just be present.

Ideas for the mom of toddlers:

Drop off a sunshine basket for mom and kiddos (filled with treats for the family)
Gift a tumbler that keeps drinks cool/hot.
Offer to take kiddos to the park
Go grocery shopping together, and help entertain the kids
Come over and help with supper and/or chores around the house
Drop off a favorite meal that the kids may actually enjoy