5. Using Your Kid as an Excuse to Get Out of Plans
There are days when the last thing you want to do is attend a social event, and that’s where your kids come in handy. You’ve probably, on more than one occasion, used your child’s nap schedule, an early bedtime, or the sudden onset of a fictional illness as an excuse to bail on plans. Whether it’s skipping a party or avoiding a dinner invite, kids are the perfect (and believable) excuse to opt for a quiet night in. It’s one of those things moms secretly do but rarely confess because, let’s face it, who can argue with a tired toddler?
6. Taking Longer Bathroom Breaks Just for a Break
The bathroom might be the last place in the house where a mom can find a few minutes of solitude. There’s no shame in taking an extra-long bathroom break just to get some time to yourself. Whether you’re scrolling through your phone, reading an article, or simply sitting in silence, those extra minutes of “me time” can be a lifesaver. You might not need to be in there as long as you are, but it’s one of the few places where you can temporarily escape the constant demands of parenting, and nobody needs to know.
RELATED: Mama: Your Family Won’t Fall Apart If You Don’t Take a Break—But You Might
7. Googling Parenting Advice at 3 A.M.
No matter how experienced you are as a mom, there are still moments of doubt and confusion that lead you to a late-night Google search. Whether it’s about a weird rash, a sudden change in behavior, or how to get your child to sleep through the night, you’ve probably found yourself quietly typing questions into your phone at 3 a.m. While you may portray a confident and in-control persona, deep down, every mom has moments of uncertainty that lead them to seek reassurance from the internet. You may never admit it, but Dr. Google has been consulted many times!
8. Telling White Lies to Make Life Easier
Sometimes, little white lies are the key to smooth sailing through a chaotic day. From “The park is closed today” to “The toy store is out of batteries,” moms tell harmless fibs to avoid meltdowns or to maintain some order. These white lies are often told with the best intentions, such as ensuring nap time stays on track or preventing yet another trip to the store. While you may not openly admit it, every mom has spun a small tale or two to keep the peace and sanity intact.
Moms Need to Maintain Balance in the Midst of Chaos
It’s no secret that motherhood is a constant juggling act, filled with moments of love, exhaustion, and everything in between. As moms, we tend to keep certain habits and shortcuts under wraps, but it’s important to remember that we all share similar experiences. Whether it’s sneaking snacks, using the TV for a break, or pretending not to hear those middle-of-the-night cries, these small, unspoken actions are part of what makes motherhood real and relatable. The things moms secretly do are often done out of love, practicality, and the need to maintain a bit of balance in an otherwise chaotic life.
Instead of feeling guilty for these small actions, embrace them as part of the messy, beautiful reality of raising children. At the end of the day, being a mom is about doing the best you can—and sometimes that includes taking an extra minute in the bathroom or polishing off the leftover fries. So, the next time you find yourself hiding in the pantry with a cookie or letting the TV keep your kids busy for a bit, remember that you’re not alone. Every mom has been there, even if she won’t admit it!
