Children Quote by Megan Mayhew Bergman
““I remember thinking that moms were not allowed to be sad, that surely women grew out of sadness by the time they had children.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2020
Societal expectations often pressure mothers to suppress sadness, implying they should outgrow it after motherhood.
In simple terms: Mothers are told not to be sad; they’re expected to be happy.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and validate maternal emotions.
Themes
gender expectations
emotional labor
motherhood
Mood
empathetic
reflective
Type
supportive
educational
When to use this quote
- parenting workshops
- mental health counseling
- support groups
Key Concepts
feminist theory
psychology
social norms
Questions to Reflect On
- What impact does this expectation have on mothers?
- How can we support mothers expressing sadness?
A Different Perspective
Pressure to hide sadness can harm mental health.
