Thinking vs. Feeling: The Secret to Easier Motherhood
As moms, we juggle a million things daily.
We make countless decisions—some big, some small. But how do we approach those decisions?
Do we rely more on thinking or feeling?
Both have their place, but finding balance between the two can make life smoother and less overwhelming.
Let’s explore how understanding the differences between thinking and feeling can help us show up for ourselves and our families.
What Does Thinking Look Like?
Thinking is all about logic, facts, and reason.
It’s when you weigh the pros and cons or rely on a checklist to guide you.
It’s the part of your brain that says, “What makes the most sense here?”
Think of it like solving a puzzle.
You’re gathering pieces—data, observations, and outcomes—and trying to fit them together.
For example:
Deciding which preschool offers the best program for your child.
Budgeting for groceries with inflation hitting hard.
Figuring out how to get three kids to different sports practices in one evening.
Thinking feels structured. It thrives on clarity and order.
What Does Feeling Look Like?
Feeling, on the other hand, is all about emotion, intuition, and empathy.
It’s what guides you when you say, “This just feels right.”
Feelings help you connect with others and tune into your emotional well-being.
For instance:
Comforting your child who had a tough day at school.
Saying “no” to an invite because your social battery is drained.
Choosing a family tradition that brings everyone joy, even if it’s not the most practical.
Feeling connects us to our hearts and helps us stay present in relationships.
Why We Need Both
Here’s the thing: Thinking and feeling aren’t enemies. They’re teammates.
Thinking helps us make decisions that are fair and practical.
Feeling helps us stay human and connected. The trick is knowing when to lean on each one.
If you rely too much on thinking, life can feel robotic.
You might miss the moments that matter because you’re stuck in your head.
If you lean too heavily on feeling, decisions might become impulsive or overwhelming.
Emotions can steer you in directions you regret later.
Balance is the sweet spot.
Everyday Examples of Balance
Let’s break this down with real-life scenarios.
Discipline vs. Compassion
Your child breaks a rule. Thinking might tell you to enforce the consequence immediately.Feeling might tell you they’re having a rough day and need grace.
Balance?Acknowledge their feelings while calmly explaining the consequence.
Self-Care Choices
You’ve got a free evening (rare, I know!).Thinking says, “Get ahead on tomorrow’s tasks.” Feeling says, “Curl up with a book and recharge.”
Balance? Tackle one small chore and spend the rest of the evening unwinding guilt-free.Parenting Decisions
Choosing the “best” for your child is tough.Thinking helps you research and compare. Feeling tunes into your instincts and your child’s unique needs.
Balance? Do your homework, but trust your gut too.
How to Tap Into Thinking or Feeling
Some of us naturally lean more toward one side. That’s okay!
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s about building awareness and flexibility.
If you’re a thinker:
Pause before jumping to conclusions.
Ask yourself, “What’s my heart telling me?”
Practice empathy by imagining how someone else might feel.
If you’re a feeler:
Take a deep breath before reacting emotionally.
Ask yourself, “What’s the logical next step?”
Make a list to organize your thoughts.
Small adjustments can create a big shift over time.
The Role of Thinking vs. Feeling in Motherhood
Motherhood is a masterclass in balance.
There are times when logic saves the day.
Like when you’re troubleshooting your baby’s sleep schedule or figuring out which diapers actually work.
Then there are times when emotions lead.
Like when your toddler throws a tantrum and all they need is a hug.
Both thinking and feeling shape how we show up as moms.
And when we learn to honor both, we give ourselves the grace to parent authentically.
A Few Encouraging Words
If you’ve ever second-guessed yourself—wondering if you’re overthinking or over-feeling—you’re not alone.
It’s so easy to get caught in the “what ifs.”
But here’s the truth: You’re doing better than you think.
Parenting is messy and emotional and sometimes downright confusing.
But when you embrace both your head and your heart, you’re equipping yourself to handle whatever comes your way.
So, the next time you’re faced with a decision, pause.
Tune into your thoughts and your feelings.
You might be surprised at how much clarity you find.
Conclusion
Thinking and feeling aren’t opposites.
They’re partners in this wild, wonderful journey of motherhood.
Lean on both.
Find your balance.
And remember—whether you’re making a big decision or just getting through the day—you’ve got this.
With love and solidarity,
