"She doesn't eat vegetables properly these days. God knows what she eats at daycare... what can I do to ensure she gets the right nutrition?"
"She's been coughing since yesterday. I hope she doesn't get a fever."
"The entire house looks so messed up! I wish I could find some time to clean up those scattered toys everywhere."
"Wait, did I respond to that email from daycare?"
"What could I have done better in that meeting today?"
"Oh no! I completely forgot to send that email!"
"I am yet to give that certification exam—when should I schedule it?"
"Hmm... maybe I could've worded that a little differently to keep that discussion from escalating."
"Okay, deep breath. My dear brain, just let me be present and play with her for a while."
The Reality
This is how my brain normally converses internally almost every evening—from her to work to self-reflection topics, even though I have so much help.
And this is with one kid... I wonder what other parents' brains, with one or multiple kids, converse like?
The Mental Load
The mental load of motherhood is real. It's not just about the physical tasks—it's the constant planning, worrying, remembering, and anticipating that runs in the background of our minds 24/7.
It's remembering doctor's appointments while preparing for a work presentation. It's worrying about nutrition while reviewing quarterly reports. It's managing household logistics while navigating career growth.
You're Not Alone
If your brain sounds like this too, know that you're not alone. Every working mother carries this invisible load, and it's exhausting—even when we have help.
The first step is awareness. Try to consciously notice your thoughts today. What is your brain's internal conversation like?