Parenthood comes with its fair share of surprises and struggles. It’s a constant balance between wondering if you’re doing the right thing and keeping up with the ever-changing needs of your kids. All this while searching for a single moment of peace and quiet.
It’s a sleep-deprived but beautiful journey, and sometimes all you really need is a reminder that you’re not alone. Feeling like you need some words of encouragement or a good laugh? This One Awkward Mom Instagram page shares witty, relatable memes that capture all the ups and downs of raising kids.
Scroll down to check them out, and don’t forget to read our chat with “Worn out Working Mum” Laura!
More info: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
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We got in touch with Elisabeth, the creative mind behind ‘One Awkward Mom’. She launched the meme page three years ago and has grown it to 130,000 followers.
“I’ve met so many people through the Instagram parenting community, made friends, and even met a few in person,” she told us.
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As a mom of three, Elisabeth takes inspiration from real life, “I have a note in my phone full of daily experiences, conversations and incidents that I can pull from to make content.”
Through ‘One Awkward Mom’, she likes to shed light on all the hard and chaotic moments, making them feel more manageable. “The amount of comments I get from people saying ‘that never happened’ always makes me laugh because I would never have believed [this] either until I had kids.”
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Speaking of tough times, research shows that almost 60% of parents across the US are experiencing burnout caused by pressure to be the perfect carer for their children.
Laura, the creator of ‘Worn out Working Mum’ on Instagram and TikTok, who also documents her journey online with honest, unfiltered stories, agrees that those who do not are a rare breed. “If you find [one], we need to capture and study them,” she told We.
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Laura became a mom for the first time in 2018 after suffering through a series of miscarriages. Because of this, she felt like she owed the world a debt for giving her the child she’d always dreamed of. Grateful, she didn’t want to complain about any struggles, which made the whole experience as a mom isolating.
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A year after having her second child and returning to work, Laura got overwhelmed. Juggling a job and parenting was challenging, friends were hard to come by, and she was often sick. In a move entirely out of character, Laura filmed a video of herself ranting about bridging childcare over the school holidays and uploaded it to social media.
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The ‘Worn Out Working Mum’ knows there’s no universal fix for burnout, but a few things make a difference for her. Laura believes spending time outside, like going for a walk, really lifts her spirits. Prioritizing sleep is her golden rule—leave the mess and seize the moment to rest when your children are asleep. If you’re caring for a sick child, don’t apologize. Instead, say things like, “Thank you for bearing with me” or “Thanks for your patience”.
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Many parents can’t shake off the fear of being judged. As difficult as it may be, Laura advises to ignore other people’s opinions and let them be. She encourages: “From posting that slightly manic video of yourself on social media, asking another mom to have a coffee with you, or letting your child primarily eat one food group for several weeks straight, write your own story, not someone else’s”.
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Sometimes taking care of your own emotional needs can feel like a job, but it’s important not to be too hard on yourself. After all, parents that show themselves kindness and compassion, rather than being overly critical, tend to be more confident and less prone to parental depression.
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Another great way to give yourself a little me time and unwind is, of course, with a bit of humor. Memes are perfect for this because you can just switch off your brain for a little while and let out some of that pent-up frustration with a laugh or two. Restoring your energy is key after you’ve spent it all explaining to your children that they do, in fact, need to brush their teeth twice a day.
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Laughter is often called the best medicine, and there seems to be some truth to this phrase. Multiple studies have shown that humor has plenty of health benefits. It can help reduce physical pain, enhance memory, and promote better sleep. Moreover, laughing can also reduce your stress levels by lowering cortisol, a major stress hormone, and boost our overall immunity.
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Humor is also a fantastic way of building connections. Whether it’s sharing a meme or telling a funny story, these simple acts can bring us closer to our friends and co-workers.
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Even when you have a tricky conversation with your child or a disagreement with your partner, humor can transform the discussion into a lighthearted and positive one. There’s no need for unnecessary tension when you can break through the ice with some wholesome laughs.
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One thing’s for sure: parenting is more enjoyable when we have the time to joke around and not take ourselves too seriously. Without memes, it would be much harder to find those little bursts of joy that help us stay sane in the chaos.
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