Through A Child’s Eyes: The Importance Of Mom’s Mental Health

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When you think of your mom, you probably imagine her juggling a million things—taking care of the family, excelling at work, nurturing relationships, and somehow still making time to guide you. But have you ever stopped to think about who takes care of her? What happens when a mom is too overwhelmed by her thoughts or emotions to nurture her own mental health?

Growing up, I loved my mom unconditionally, but I also felt the weight of her unspoken struggles. Her fears, self-doubts, and unaddressed emotional wounds trickled down to me, even though she didn’t mean for it to happen. This is our story, and in many ways, it’s a story that mirrors countless families.

My mom wasn’t just a parent—she was everything to me. But like many women, she carried emotional baggage from her own upbringing. Her lack of self-love, unspoken anger, and feelings of inadequacy seeped into our everyday interactions. It wasn’t her fault; at the time, emotional well-being was hardly talked about, let alone prioritized.

As children, we absorb our parents’ emotions like sponges. A moment of irritation or a harsh word stays longer in our minds than the dozen loving gestures they make.

Psychologist Carl Jung once said,

By the time I reached my teenage years, I struggled with my own self-worth. I constantly questioned if I was good enough. My confidence wavered, and I feared speaking up. It felt as though my voice didn’t matter, not because my mom didn’t care but because her own struggles drowned out her ability to reassure me.

But it wasn’t just us. Around me, I saw friends saying things like, “My mom’s always angry,” or “I can’t talk to my dad because he just doesn’t understand.” At first, we blamed them—our parents—for their flaws and failings. Yet as I grew older, I realized it wasn’t that simple.

When I got married and became a mother, everything I struggled with resurfaced with greater intensity. I wasn’t just questioning myself as a daughter anymore—I was questioning myself as a wife, mother, sister, and friend.

“Why am I like this?” “Am I enough for my family?” “Why can’t I cope better?” These thoughts spiralled into overthinking, self-doubt, and guilt.

I realized my children were living the very same emotional struggle I’d faced as a child. And that was the wake-up call I needed.

In my darkest moment, I decided to break the cycle. I invested in a life coaching program—something I couldn’t fully afford but knew I desperately needed. More than the financial investment, it was a leap of faith in myself.

During my journey with my mentor, I learned two profound lessons:

  1. Healing starts with understanding, not blaming.
    My parents weren’t villains; they were human. They had their own struggles, shaped by their circumstances and lack of emotional support.
  2. You can’t give from an empty cup.
    The better I took care of myself—my mental health, emotions, and self-belief—the better I could show up for my family.

As my perspective shifted, so did my relationships. My children started noticing the change. I became calmer, more patient, and more present. My son once said, “Mom, I love how you listen to me now. You’re my best friend.” It was then I realized: that when a woman heals, she doesn’t just change herself—she changes generations.

Real change is contagious. My newfound emotional strength inspired my family to reflect on their behaviour and make adjustments. My husband began opening up more; my children started expressing themselves more freely. Our home became a haven, filled with love, laughter, and understanding.

As author Maya Angelou beautifully said,

And that’s exactly what happened. I became a beacon of hope for my family and, later, for others in my community.

Take Shreya, a young mom I worked with recently. She told me, “I yell at my kids because I’m constantly stressed, but then I hate myself for it.” After just a few months of focusing on her mindset, she shared that her children had started hugging her every morning, saying, “Mom, we love the new you!”

Or Rashmi, a mother-in-law who felt invisible in her home. She learned to set boundaries and prioritize her self-care. Her daughter-in-law now describes her as “a blessing who understands me like my own mother.”

These aren’t extraordinary stories; they’re the results of ordinary women making extraordinary commitments to themselves.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely someone who juggles multiple roles daily. But here’s a gentle reminder: You matter too. Your children, spouse, and parents deserve the best version of you, but you deserve that version even more.

Take the bold step of acknowledging where you’re struggling and seeking help if needed. It could be as simple as talking to a friend, reading a transformative book, or finding a mentor who guides you toward clarity.

After all, when a woman prioritizes her mental well-being, the effects don’t just stay with her—they ripple outward, touching everyone in her life. As Gandhi said, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

And remember this: when you grow, you don’t just heal yourself—you create a brighter, healthier future for your children, your family, and generations to come. Let’s break the cycle, one brave woman at a time.

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