Being a mom is hard work. From keeping everyone fed to managing schedules and keeping the household running, it can feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Most moms are told they’re supposed to be able to “do it all” — and if they can’t, something must be wrong with them.
Here’s the truth: asking for help doesn’t make you a bad mom. In fact, it makes you a healthier one.
Why Moms Feel Guilty Asking for Help
Many moms hesitate to ask for help because they:
Fear being judged as weak or lazy
Compare themselves to other moms who seem to have it all together
Believe they should be able to handle everything because “that’s what good moms do”
This guilt is powerful, but it’s built on unrealistic expectations. No one can do it all, and you don’t have to.
What Asking for Help Really Means
When you reach out for support, you’re not failing — you’re modeling healthy behavior for your kids. You’re showing them that:
It’s okay to admit when life feels too heavy
It’s wise to lean on others when you need to
Strength includes knowing your limits
Asking for help is actually a way of protecting your mental health and caring for your family in the long run. Remember, we weren’t made to do life alone.
Practical Ways to Ask for Help
If you’re not used to asking for help, it may feel awkward at first. Here are some ideas:
Start small. Ask a friend to pick up an item from the store or watch your kids for an hour so you can rest.
Be specific. Instead of saying “I need help,” try, “Could you drive carpool on Wednesday?”
Use your support network. Friends, family, neighbors, church members, and even other moms at school are often more willing to help than you think.
Consider professional help. Counseling can give you a safe place to talk honestly about your stress and learn strategies to manage it.
When It’s More Than Just Being Tired
Sometimes being overwhelmed as a mom goes beyond needing a little extra help. If you find yourself constantly anxious, resentful, or hopeless, that may be a sign it’s time to talk with a therapist. Counseling can help you unpack the guilt, lighten your mental load, and find a healthier way forward.
You’re Not Alone
Motherhood was never meant to be done alone. If you’re ready to move from exhausted and weighed down to supported and connected, therapy can help.
Learn more about Therapy for Overwhelmed Moms
About the Author
Katie Bailey, MA, LPC, is the founder and a Licensed Professional Counselor at Lime Tree Counseling in Ambler, Pennsylvania. With more than 20 years of experience, she helps people move from feeling overwhelmed to connected by offering therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationships. Along with her team of licensed therapists, she provides compassionate, evidence-based counseling to individuals and couples throughout Pennsylvania.
FAQ: Asking for Help as a Mom
Is it normal to feel guilty asking for help as a mom?
Yes. Many moms feel pressure to “do it all,” so guilt is common. The important thing is recognizing that guilt doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you care deeply, and you’re learning a healthier way forward.
How do I ask for help without feeling like a burden?
Be specific with your requests, start small, and remember that most people actually want to help. Often, friends and family feel honored when you trust them enough to lean on them.
What if I don’t have family nearby to help?
Support doesn’t always have to come from family. Neighbors, fellow moms, church communities, and even professional resources like counseling can all provide meaningful support.
When should I consider counseling instead of just asking friends for help?
If you’re constantly feeling anxious, hopeless, or like you can’t keep up no matter how hard you try, counseling can help you dig deeper. It’s a safe, judgment-free space to work through the stress, guilt, and emotions of motherhood.