Motherhood is a journey filled with both joy and challenge, yet the way it’s portrayed in society often leans toward extremes—either a picture-perfect ideal or an overwhelming struggle. A recent survey of nearly 5,000 women on the Peanut app sheds light on the reality many mothers face: the simple, everyday moments of joy are often overshadowed by the pressures of parenting, mental health struggles, and financial stress. This article explores the dualities of motherhood and calls for greater support, honest conversations, and a shift in how society views and supports mothers.
Nearly 5,000 women on the Peanut app shared their perspectives on motherhood, with 84% calling for a more honest, balanced portrayal of parenting—one that moves beyond the extremes of curated perfection or overwhelming negativity often seen on social media.
While 91% of mothers said the experience brings more joy and fulfillment than expected, the study highlights that this joy isn’t linked to highly curated or expensive “memory-making” moments. Instead, it’s found in the simplest interactions: morning cuddles (62%), spontaneous laughter (57%), and witnessing their children learn new skills (52%)—all of which contribute to a profound sense of satisfaction. Despite this, many mothers feel hesitant to share these moments, fearing they might come across as boastful or insensitive.
This reluctance is understandable, as 60% of mothers found motherhood harder than anticipated, and 94% admitted to feeling both immense joy and deep exhaustion at the same time. A concerning 78% of mothers reported struggling with their mental health.
The research identified three main pressures contributing to maternal exhaustion:
– Lack of Personal Time and Space: Juggling the demands of motherhood, professional responsibilities, and household tasks leaves little room for self-care.
– Financial Stress: The costs of raising children add significant pressure, with 55% of mothers stating that financial concerns around childcare impact their ability to fully enjoy motherhood.
– Health and Wellness Impact: The physical and emotional toll of motherhood is substantial, often overlooked. Sleep deprivation and the stress of caring for another person can quickly erode a mother’s well-being, with many prioritizing others’ needs over their own, leading to burnout.
Moreover, 1 in 2 mothers didn’t realize the importance of a strong support network until they faced the pressures of motherhood. Alarmingly, 89% feel that current social support systems are inadequate.
These findings underscore the need for systemic change to better support mothers, recognizing that motherhood is multifaceted. Peanut advocates for a future where small victories and everyday joys are celebrated, while simultaneously pushing for reforms to address the financial, societal, and emotional burdens mothers face.
The research identified three main pressures contributing to maternal exhaustion:
– Lack of Personal Time and Space: Juggling the demands of motherhood, professional responsibilities, and household tasks leaves little room for self-care.
– Financial Stress: The costs of raising children add significant pressure, with 55% of mothers stating that financial concerns around childcare impact their ability to fully enjoy motherhood.
– Health and Wellness Impact: The physical and emotional toll of motherhood is substantial, often overlooked. Sleep deprivation and the stress of caring for another person can quickly erode a mother’s well-being, with many prioritizing others’ needs over their own, leading to burnout.
Moreover, 1 in 2 mothers didn’t realize the importance of a strong support network until they faced the pressures of motherhood. Alarmingly, 89% feel that current social support systems are inadequate.
These findings underscore the need for systemic change to better support mothers, recognizing that motherhood is multifaceted. Peanut advocates for a future where small victories and everyday joys are celebrated, while simultaneously pushing for reforms to address the financial, societal, and emotional burdens mothers face.
