Is It Normal to Not Want to Be a Mom Anymore?
Since I was a teenager, one of my biggest dreams has been to be a wife and a mom. And let me tell you, I have accomplished it and by no means regret it. HOWEVER, when life gets to lifing, and you add work, relationships, the daily grind, and all the emotions that come with the stage my child is in, it can leave me feeling stretched so thin that the thought crosses my mind, “I don’t want mommy today.”
If you’re like me, you may feel a little guilty and wonder, “Is it normal to have this thought?” The short answer? Yes. You are not alone, and neither of us is a bad mom for having the thought.
Motherhood, for all its joy, also comes with exhaustion, guilt, and pressure. The expectation to balance everything —work deadlines, household responsibilities, wifey responsibilities, children’s needs, church involvement, and perhaps even keeping up with friends —can feel overwhelming. If you’ve ever whispered to yourself, “I just don’t want to mommy today,” take a deep breath. That feeling doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re human.
The Weight of Trying to Do It All
Most moms wake up with good intentions: “Today I’m going to be patient. Today I’ll spend quality time with my kids. Today I’ll keep my cool, even when work gets stressful.”
But somewhere between breakfast dishes, emails, soccer practice, and the constant chorus of “Mom! Mom! Mom!” it feels like the tank is running on empty. You pour out a lot—emotionally, mentally, spiritually. But who’s pouring back into you?
That emptiness can lead to a dangerous lie: “If I feel like I don’t want to be a mom anymore, then I must not love my children enough.” Sister, hear me: that is not the truth. The truth is that you love your children so deeply that you keep showing up every day, even when you’re exhausted. The truth is that you’re running low, not because of a lack of love, but because you haven’t been refilled.
It’s Not Sinful to Feel Tired of Motherhood
Sometimes Christian moms carry an extra weight of guilt. We tell ourselves, “If I really loved Jesus, I wouldn’t feel this way.” Or, “If I were more faithful, I wouldn’t struggle with motherhood.”
But God never called you to be superhuman. He called you to abide in Him. Even Jesus—God in the flesh—took time away from the crowds to pray and rest (Luke 5:16).
If Jesus Himself stepped away from people who needed Him, then why do we as moms feel guilty when we need the same? Wanting a break doesn’t mean you don’t love your children. It means you are acknowledging your humanity and your need for God’s refreshment.
Why Rest Matters for Moms
Think of what happens when your phone battery dies. It doesn’t mean the phone is broken. It just needs to recharge. You wouldn’t shame your phone for needing power (why did that just make me giggle? LOL!), so why shame yourself for needing rest?
When you allow yourself to pause—whether that’s locking your bedroom door for ten minutes of silence, taking a walk, or planning a getaway without the kids—you give God space to pour into you. Rest is not selfish. It’s spiritual.
Isaiah 40:31 reminds us: “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
When you rest in His presence, you gain clarity, emotional balance, and the ability to parent out of overflow instead of depletion.
Practical Ways to “Run Away” (Without Actually Running Away)
Sometimes, you just need a moment. Here are a few ways to create breathing space in your motherhood journey:
Step into your room and shut the door for 10 minutes of quiet prayer or deep breathing.
Trade childcare with a trusted friend so you each get a break.
Plan a weekend away—yes, without the kids—so you can come back refreshed.
Seek therapy to process feelings of guilt, burnout, and overwhelm in a safe, supportive space.
Lean on your village—family, friends, or church community—who can help carry the load.
Taking care of yourself isn’t running away from your family. It’s preparing yourself to show up as the mom and wife you want to be.
Motherhood Through God’s Eyes
Here’s the truth I want you to take with you: God did not create you to be perfect. He created you to be present.
Perfection is His job, not yours. What your children need most isn’t a flawless mom but a mom who’s willing to rest, who shows them what it looks like to lean on God, and who models resilience when life feels heavy.
Motherhood is not about never growing weary; it’s about learning where to turn when you are weary. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
That invitation is for you, mama.
You’re Not Alone
If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to be a mom right now,” I want you to know this: you’re not the only one, and there’s nothing wrong with you. You’re not less spiritual. You’re not ungrateful. You’re simply tired.
And in your tiredness, God sees you. He cares for you. And He’s inviting you to rest—not just physically, but spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
If no one has told you today: You are doing an amazing job. Even on the days you feel weak, your love and presence matter.
Take heart, mama. You don’t have to carry this alone. Let others pour into you. Let God refresh you. And let yourself breathe.
Final Encouragement
Motherhood will always have its challenges. But by allowing yourself to step away when needed, resting in God’s presence, and seeking support when the load feels heavy, you can walk this journey with more peace and purpose.
So the next time you feel like you don’t want to be a mom anymore, remember: It’s not a sign of failure. It’s a sign you need to pause, recharge, and let God renew your strength.
Because when you are refreshed, you’re not only a better mom—you’re a more joyful daughter of the King.
✨ If you’re a working mom who’s ready to find balance, create healthy boundaries, and reconnect with God’s peace in the middle of it all, I’d love to walk with you. Therapy can be that safe space where you’re reminded: you don’t have to do this alone. Reach out today, and let’s begin your journey toward renewal.
