10 Heartfelt Ways to Be Thankful for Motherhood

Mother with children at Thanksgiving

Motherhood. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, but also a deep well of moments to be grateful for.

Whether you’re knee-deep in toddler tantrums or navigating the teen years, it’s easy to lose sight of the beauty in the chaos.

But, finding gratitude in motherhood can help you see the joy, even in the messiest moments.

As a mom of four, I know how hard it can be to pause and appreciate the everyday.

Some days it feels like you’re barely hanging on.

But, when you take a moment to reflect, you’ll find there’s a lot to be thankful for.

Here are 10 Ways to Be Thankful For Motherhood

Mother hugging child in bed

1. The Small Moments

Motherhood isn’t about the grand gestures. It’s the little things.

The morning cuddles. The sound of tiny feet running down the hall.

The “I love you” out of nowhere that just melts your heart. These small moments are the ones that leave a lasting imprint.

Take a second today to appreciate the little things.

They may feel ordinary now, but one day, they’ll be the moments you look back on with the most gratitude.

Whether it’s watching your child discover something new or sharing a giggle before bedtime, these moments are pure gold.

2. Watching Your Kids Grow

There’s nothing quite like watching your children grow.

From those first steps to watching them discover who they are, it’s amazing to witness.

It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of the day-to-day, but take a step back and look at how far your child has come.

That once tiny baby is now a person with thoughts, dreams, and a personality all their own. And you helped shape that.

Be thankful for the opportunity to nurture them, to guide them, and to watch them bloom.

Mother kissing baby boy on the cheek

3. The Challenges That Make You Stronger

Motherhood isn’t always easy.

In fact, some days it’s downright hard. But here’s the thing: every challenge makes you stronger. Those sleepless nights?

They’re a reminder of your resilience. The meltdowns at the grocery store? Proof that you can handle whatever life throws your way.

It’s okay to have tough days, but there’s strength in knowing you’ve faced them and come out the other side.

Be thankful for the challenges because they’re shaping you into an even stronger mom.

4. Unconditional Love

There’s nothing like the love between a mom and her children.

It’s deep, pure, and unconditional. Whether your child is having a good day or a bad one, that love never wavers.

It’s the glue that holds everything together.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, pause and remember that bond. Even on the hardest days, that love is always there. And it’s something to be truly thankful for.

Two hands holding a small heart

5. Learning from Your Children

Kids have a way of teaching us things we didn’t even know we needed to learn.

Patience. Humility. Wonder.

They see the world with fresh eyes, and in their innocence, they remind us to slow down and appreciate the beauty in life.

Whether they’re teaching you to laugh at yourself or to be more present, there’s always something to learn from your children.

Be thankful for the lessons they bring into your life.

6. The Community of Moms

Motherhood can feel isolating at times, but you’re not alone.

There’s an entire community of moms who get it. They’ve been through the same struggles, the same highs and lows, and they’re there to support you.

Lean into that community. Whether it’s a quick text from a friend who just gets it or finding solidarity in a local mom group, there’s so much strength in knowing you’re not alone.

Be thankful for the women who are walking this journey with you.

They’ll lift you up when you need it most, and you’ll do the same for them.

Mom holding two daughter

7. The Privilege of Being a Mom

Sometimes, in the thick of it, it’s easy to forget what a privilege it is to be a mom.

Yes, it’s exhausting, and yes, there are days when you question everything, but at the end of the day, you’ve been given the gift of motherhood.

The opportunity to shape lives, to love unconditionally, and to be part of something bigger than yourself.

Be thankful for the privilege of being a mom.

It’s one of the hardest, most rewarding jobs there is.

8. The Growth in Yourself

Motherhood doesn’t just change your kids—it changes you too.

You grow in ways you never expected.

You become more patient, more empathetic, more resilient.

Motherhood pushes you to your limits, but it also helps you discover strengths you didn’t know you had.

Be thankful for the growth in yourself.

It’s a reminder that you’re always evolving, always learning, and always getting better.

Young mother holding baby daughter

9. The Moments of Laughter

Motherhood is full of moments that make you laugh.

Whether it’s something silly your child says or a moment where you just have to laugh at the chaos, these moments bring light to the hardest days.

Take a moment to be thankful for the laughter.

It’s what makes the journey more fun and helps you push through even when things feel tough.

10. The Bond with Your Kids

Lastly, one of the greatest gifts of motherhood is the bond you share with your children.

It’s a bond that’s unbreakable, even during the tough times. It’s a bond that lasts a lifetime.

Be thankful for that connection.

It’s one of the most powerful things in the world, and it’s something that will carry you through every stage of motherhood.

Mother kissing newborn baby on head

Takeaways

Motherhood is full of challenges, but it’s also full of beauty.

Taking time to be thankful for the little things, the big things, and everything in between can shift your perspective and help you see the joy even in the toughest moments.

So today, take a deep breath. Pause.

And reflect on all the ways motherhood has shaped you and blessed your life.

There's so much to be thankful for.

With love and solidarity,

Postpartum therapist
Mom therapist

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Related Articles:

Prayers That Will Change Your Motherhood Journey

Sources:

Emmons RA, McCullough ME. Counted blessings versus burdens: an experimental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2003;84:377–389.

McCullough ME, Emmons RA. Tsang J-A. The grateful disposition: a conceptual and empirical topography. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2002;82:112–127.

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