When we think about milestones in motherhood, we often focus on our children. But what about the wins that belong to us?
Motherhood is filled with small, everyday moments that may not show up on a chart but still deserve recognition. From finally drinking your coffee warm to getting out the door on time, these wins are worth celebrating.
Everyday Motherhood Wins Worth Celebrating
These are the moments that may seem small but feel like major victories in the day-to-day life of a mom.
My baby sleeps longer than two-hour stretches
My laundry actually makes it to the dryer
It’s easy to get clothes into the washer, but getting them into the dryer is another story. Sometimes they sit a bit longer than they should. Remembering to move the clothes to the dryer is a motherhood accomplishment in and of itself. Now, if you can get the clothes put away and not leave them sitting in the dryer for days, that’s even more impressive.
I took a shower today
In those early days especially, getting a shower in can seem like such a difficult task. When you have an infant on your hands, it isn’t easy to feel the security that your baby is okay, regardless of how safe and comfortable you make them before you hop in the shower. Some days, they’re so fussy that doing this is difficult. Other times, maybe you’re so busy, or your kids don’t feel well, and a shower just doesn’t happen. On difficult days, getting a shower in is a big motherhood accomplishment.
Related: Why Taking a Shower Is Not Self-Care for Moms
I made it through the day without something on my shirt
Honestly, these days for me, are few and far between. My 3-year-old favors a specific shoulder when I pick him up, and he’s usually either still messy with peanut butter or upset about something. I easily have either peanut butter or snot on my shoulder most days. And when you have a baby, spit-up always finds a way on your clothes.
My kids only interrupted me once while I was on a work call
Being able to take a work call has been a significant development. My kids can entertain themselves long enough for me to make a phone call, thank goodness. While they still haven’t let me take them uninterrupted, the number of interruptions has substantially decreased. This is a definite cause for celebration.
My daughter can put in a movie by herself
While putting a movie on isn’t the most draining task a mom can do, it’s a great feeling when your child gains that bit of independence and can turn on the TV all by themselves. Not having to get up to do this is pretty great.
I drank all my coffee while it was still warm
Getting the time to finish your coffee while you can still see a bit of steam rising from your mug is an accomplishment (okay, so the steam part is an exaggeration, but you get the point). With all the tasks we have to complete as moms, it’s no wonder we’re usually used to drinking our coffee cold.
We left the house on time
Being on time seems unattainable when you need to get the kids ready and out the door. It feels like they always need something at the worst possible time. Getting to appointments, birthday parties, and other timely events is a challenge, to say the least. When you arrive with a minute or two to spare, it’s one of the greatest feelings of your week.
I went somewhere alone
Being able to go somewhere on your own is so nice. There’s nothing quite like leaving the house alone, sliding behind the wheel of your car, and listening to whatever music you want. You don’t have to field questions about toys or deal with hangry children when wandering the aisles. You can look for what you need, browse, and shop in peace.
Related: My First Postpartum Outing Alone: Expectation vs. Reality
My kid can wipe her butt on her own
Having to stop what you’re doing every time your potty-trained child needs you to help them wipe can get so irritating. Once they figure it out and get themselves (mostly) clean, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.
My child cleaned up for me when I spilled
Getting kids to clean up their messes can be a big enough battle. I had a tough day when I spilled something recently. My 3-year-old recognized that I was struggling and helped me clean it up. It’s moments like these that make me feel accomplished and warm my mama’s heart.
My kids can play together (sometimes) without fighting
Playing with kids can be a lot of fun, but there are times when you don’t want to and need an adult break. Having more than one kid is wonderful when they get old enough to play together without constant supervision. This milestone is one of my favorites.
I can give my kids something to work on that they’ll actually do . . . so I can work too
When I need to work on some tasks during the day, giving my kids time on a laptop or tablet helps a lot. The educational games they play while hanging out with me give us some productive time.
My kids don’t follow me to the bathroom every time anymore
From the time they could walk, my kids would follow me into the bathroom. They hated being separated from me, and I didn’t mind so much because at least I knew where they were and what they were doing. Now, they’re old enough that they don’t need to follow me every second, and it’s a new level of freedom to pee in peace.
What’s one of the biggest motherhood accomplishments? Non-nursing bras
If you are breastfeeding, wearing a nursing bra is your new normal. Underwires have been things of the past for a long time. So, when you switch back to those extra-supportive cups after you’re done nursing, there’s nothing better. Let’s not forget the selection that opens up when you’re at the store in the bra section and can finally kiss those nursing bras and nursing tops goodbye. Yes, this is a motherhood accomplishment worth celebrating.
Not talking about baby poop all day
When your kids are small, poop is a hot topic between you and your doctor. The color and consistency of baby poop are something that all moms keep an eye on. Once your kids are older, you stop worrying so much about poop, and it’s pretty great. But let’s be honest: your poop talk gets transferred to your kids, and the poop jokes seem to be an endless stream of humor for them (maybe this is half a win).
My kid can read me stories
While reading to your kiddos builds great memories, it’s extra special when your child begins reading their stories to you. Not only is it exciting to see their development, but it also allows for a great bonding experience.
Being able to watch movies or shows that aren’t cartoons
There are seriously only so many times that I can watch Daniel Tiger. Now that my kids are older, it’s so nice not to have to watch the same cartoons over and over. We can mix some live-action stuff and superhero movies, which is a relief for the brain.
Related: 86 Best Family Movies To Watch With Kids by Age & Rating
Being okay with not getting out of the house all the time
When my kids were really little, I was very concerned about getting out of the house. Now, I have adjusted and don’t have this fixation anymore. Whether the pandemic changed my mind or I just got used to being home, I’m not sure, but not getting out is okay some days.
Kids clean up without a fight
The kids cleaning when you ask them to without a fight is a whole new level of parenting. Not having the fight or forcing them to clean is a nice change from when they were smaller.
Having a date night without it being derailed
My husband and I do our best to have date nights, but there are many times when it gets derailed. My son had a fever last time, so we couldn’t go anywhere. Being able to go on a scheduled date night because the kids are healthy and in good moods is another great accomplishment.
The moments that matter even more
Beyond the day-to-day wins, there are deeper moments that remind us just how meaningful motherhood really is.
- You stay calm and do not lose your cool
- Your child learns to share
- You catch your child being kind to others
- They use their manners without being prompted
- They learn to be honest
- You see them persevere through challenges
- They stand up for others
- They include the child who feels left out
And somehow, these are the moments that stick with us the most.
These moments may not show up on any milestone chart, but they matter just as much. Motherhood is full of small wins that deserve to be seen and celebrated.
When you take a moment to recognize them, you might realize you are doing better than you think.
