My sister recently had a new baby. Knowing I’m done with the baby phase, I have been doing everything in my power to soak up his sweet baby smells and goodness. Because it is such a precious time. But I have to confess that at times, I have been guilty of reflecting back to the beginning of my motherhood journey and asking myself and others, “What did I possibly think was so hard about having just one new baby to take care of?” in comparison to my life now comprised of chasing four littles–essentially implying that having a newborn is easy. Yet, there is one thing that has seemed blatantly obvious the last eight weeks of watching my sister with her new son.

No matter how sweet the baby, a new baby IS work.

Sleepless nights and a baby in your arms all day IS hard even if it’s sweet in your heart, too. And while I love my nephew, when I look at my sis, I realize I am grateful to be done with that phase since my new phase involves chasing four other kiddos. I can’t pretend that my phase is harder than hers. If anything, it feels reversed. But she might say differently when watching me deal with a mouthy preteen.

My point being, every phase of motherhood is different. Each with different challenges and areas for growth. And in each phase of motherhood, there are unique ways to encourage a mom for the work she’s doing! Let’s make sure to be intentional about calling out the good we see in the other moms around us. Taking the time to encourage a fellow mom in the trenches may be just the thing she needs to get through that day!

Easy Ways to Encourage a Mom

For Any Mom, Anywhere:

• When I think of moms I want to be like, I think of you.
• Your kids stand out for having great manners, and I know that reflects on you.
  
• When I’m in a hard moment, I always think of: “What would ______ do?”

For the Tired New Mom:

• I know the days are long, but I promise this is a phase you will look back on and feel like you don’t remember. It truly will fly by. 
• You do such a good job of being sleepy yet being so patient. I see how much you love them.
• I know you aren’t getting a lot of rest, but you don’t show it. You seem more rested than I am. 
• If you would like to drop your baby off with me for a bit, I would love to let you sleep!
  

For the Mom Dealing with an Emotional Toddler:

• It is hard to stay patient all day, but you seem to reset with ease. That’s so hard!
  
• You are doing a great job of teaching your child versus getting frustrated. I can see how long-term this will pay off, even though it’s tiring. 
• I love how you stay calm instead of losing it. You remind me of a teacher everyone is trying to be like.
  

For the Mom Running Ragged with Sports and Kids’ Commitments:

• I see you always going from one thing to the next. But you are great at always having everything organized and planned for your evenings. You make your kids’ life flow smoothly.
  
• I know your kids may not see how hard you work to get them to their practices, but I want to tell you that one day they will look back and see how much you did for them. Keep it up!
  
• You are so great at helping other people out with carpool in the evenings. Thank you for being so gracious about helping others.

For the Mom with the Kid That is Struggling:

• You do such an amazing job of supporting your child. I know they’ve had a hard year, but there is no doubt they will know you are their biggest fan.
  
• I really admire you for the way you’ve helped navigate your child through this hard situation. It’s hard to know what to do, but you seem to know the right thing every time.
  
• A parents’ job is to believe in their child no matter what, and you are the epitome of seeing the best potential within them and bringing it out. What a great advocate you are!
  

For the Mom with Independent Teenagers:

• I know they are making you doubt that you did anything right. But trust me, all of your work is paying off! They are listening even though they don’t act like it.
• I love how even though your child gets frustrated, they share things with you. You’ve done a great job of building trust. 
• Even though they are pushing you out, remember they need you just as much now as ever! Keep persevering. They will thank you later.

How can you encourage a mom today? If there is someone you look up to as a mom, don’t keep it a secret. And feel free to share with us the best encouragement you’ve ever received.