20 #MomStruggles That Only Parents Can Truly Understand

Despite the pretty picture that many Instagram feeds paint of an edited version of parenthood, being a mom or dad is messy. It's dirty, it's sticky, it can be smelly, and it's also uniquely beautiful — in an organized chaos kind of way. So if you ever feel like you're all alone, remember that the struggle is very real, and don't let the filters fool you. Check out these Instagram-worthy parenting problems that all moms go through (and hopefully find the humor in!).

01
When you have to get creative just to be able to cook dinner.
Instagram | nmeganck

When you have to get creative just to be able to cook dinner.

02
When you need to have conversations about why hands don't belong in pants . . . daily.
Instagram | nmeganck

When you need to have conversations about why hands don't belong in pants . . . daily.

03
When there is no such thing as sleeping in . . . or alone time.
Instagram | ambermkuiper

When there is no such thing as sleeping in . . . or alone time.

04
When a quick errand that should only take 5 minutes on your own turns into a 30-minute ordeal.
Instagram | momof3boys007

When a quick errand that should only take 5 minutes on your own turns into a 30-minute ordeal.

05
When you forget to send a follow-up email to the Tooth Fairy to confirm that she received the letter.
Instagram | redheadreverie

When you forget to send a follow-up email to the Tooth Fairy to confirm that she received the letter.

06
When you count down to potty-training like your kids impatiently wait for Christmas.
Instagram tiffany_gets_healthy

When you count down to potty-training like your kids impatiently wait for Christmas.

08
When you have yet to get your act together to deliver that birthday present you forgot — from a party that was last year.
Instagram | ang_byrne

When you have yet to get your act together to deliver that birthday present you forgot — from a party that was last year.

09
When silence in the other room definitely signals trouble.
Instagram | lizergle

When silence in the other room definitely signals trouble.

10
When improvising becomes a daily necessity.
Instagram | wildheartwhispers

When improvising becomes a daily necessity.

11
When your little one asks to help clean and manages to do more damage.
Instagram | hauteintexas

When your little one asks to help clean and manages to do more damage.

12
When a toy that you thought would be a great way to keep them preoccupied becomes more work for you.
Instagram | carriepedreiro

When a toy that you thought would be a great way to keep them preoccupied becomes more work for you.

13
When major damage can be done in a matter of seconds.
Instagram | jamielpalmer

When major damage can be done in a matter of seconds.

15
When you run out of ideas for punishments because they keep doing the same thing over and over again.
Instagram | cherryhollowlane

When you run out of ideas for punishments because they keep doing the same thing over and over again.

16
When wearing articles of clothing covered in poo or spit are more common than not.
Instagram | ashleyhopedaugherty

When wearing articles of clothing covered in poo or spit are more common than not.

17
When you become immune to the smell of poop — but not to the sight.
Instagram | insight2lala

When you become immune to the smell of poop — but not to the sight.

18
When a sleeping baby means no coffee or food for mom.
Instagram | anna_mama

When a sleeping baby means no coffee or food for mom.

19
When the kids get into a major fight — right as you're trying to cook dinner.
Instagram | allisonoswald

When the kids get into a major fight — right as you're trying to cook dinner.

20
When you care less about what they're playing with and more about if you can get a few minutes of entertainment out of it.
Instagram | ambermkuiper

When you care less about what they're playing with and more about if you can get a few minutes of entertainment out of it.