28 Comments
Apr 18Liked by Mariah Maddox

Sending you much love as a two year old mother myself!! 🖤 thanks for writing your perspective is real and valid.

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Thank you! <3

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Thank you so much for this Mariah, from one toddler mom to another. You’re doing great, mama! I often have to remind myself “Ashleigh, you are the only one with a developed brain here, she’s only been here for three years” just to get through some things.

Sending you so much love!!

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That is so true as well, that helps me in moments when he's unregulated and I have to meet his storm with a calm, regulated presence. Thank you for the love, sending it right back your way!

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This was such a beautiful read! The words were poignant and moving, your words such a balm to yourself, it sounded like. 🌻✨

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Thank you so much<3

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You spoke to me. Thank you for this message. As a twin mom to two-year-olds I tend to be very hard on myself. To be reminded that I've only done this for two years releases the guilt and shame and makes space for grace.

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Yes! I'm so glad to hear that it resonated. We expect so much from ourselves, forgetting that we still have so much to learn ourselves, and even things to unlearn from our childhood.

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Thank you for this. Everyday, I feel like I'm messing up my daughter and failing her.

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You were made specially for your daughter, mama. Give yourself grace 🤎

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Apr 19Liked by Mariah Maddox

All these sisters in the comments cheering you on is beautiful . Cheering you on❤️

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It's a lovely sight, isn't it? So comforting when you find true support rather than judgement in the mothering realm. Thank you Marc!

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Apr 19Liked by Mariah Maddox

This spoke deeply to me. I often think to myself “I am an (almost) four year old mother…” and Ive wondered if I’m alone in that. I’m not. But it I also get stuck in thinking I’ve been on earth so much longer than them and should know what to do/how to navigate… Often other mothers and parents will tell me I am doing great and to give myself grace, but reading your experiences and words actually made their way in. Thank you

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Sometimes we can hear things over and over and not receive it, but can hear it in a certain way or from a certain person and it lands in a different way than all the others. I'm glad these words made their way in because your friends are right, you do need to give yourself grace. Yes, we've been on earth longer than our children and we do have more experience with doing and navigating things ALONE, but doing and navigating with a child who depends on you is an entirely different thing. We'll be learning and unlearning so much as we go.

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So beautiful and relatable, as a mum of two under two(well my first is almost two so I won’t be able to use that title for much longer😅) I can relate. But I believe you’re doing a great job and the best mum for your son and vice versa.

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Thank you, Jemima! You are doing great, continue to give yourself grace <3

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My Mom said to me: We grow up with our kids. My son is 39 and I’m still learning!

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Yes! Great advice from your mom. We'll forever be learning.

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As someone who had post partum with my first child, I deeply felt that disappointment with myself. Each child- parent relationship is brand new and no matter how many years into the mothering thing, each stage makes it feel like I’m starting new. Just when I start to feel like I got this, everything changes. You’re doing better than you think and having a friend like that that gives you perspective on this lifelong journey is so wonderful.

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I pray that you're feeling more grace than disappointment these days. You're so right in saying every child-parent relationship is different, too. We aren't alone, mama. This is a lifelong journey.

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Apr 23Liked by Mariah Maddox

This is beautiful piece sis! Seven year dad here.

Grace is most 🖤

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Hi fellow parent 👋🏾 Thank you, Jamal!

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I felt this as if I was in your place just yesterday, but my sons are grown now. I have learned to give myself grace. It doesn’t happen overnight. Sounds like you have a good friend who will support you through it. Being seen, and heard is balm for the soul.

One of my sons still has me shaking my head in wonder. At the same time, I know I gave them all I had to give.

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"I know I gave them all I had to give." Whew. As a grown woman I see my parents through more of a lens of grace knowing this now, and as a mother I hope my son one day is able to do the same — and yours too.

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Thank you for sharing so poetically. It was a joy to read.

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So glad it landed well 🤎

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