What Uganda Taught Me About Motherhood
July 9, 2026 – Emily
What Uganda Taught Me About Motherhood
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
I’ve heard that phrase many times, but it wasn’t until I moved to Uganda that I truly understood it.
In the U.S., parenting can sometimes feel like a constant race — driving from one activity to the next, trying to give your children every opportunity, and quietly wondering if you’re doing enough.
I never wanted to get caught up in the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses, but if I’m honest, there were moments when I questioned myself as a mother. I didn’t throw elaborate Pinterest-inspired birthday parties. I wasn’t the mom leading every PTA event or coaching my kids’ sports teams. Sometimes I wondered if I was falling short.
Moving to Uganda has given me the gift of slowing down and rediscovering motherhood.
I’ve realized that I am a nurturer.
I am the mom who tucks my kids into bed, colors with them on the porch, watches their favorite movies, plays Monopoly or Yahtzee, and makes time to truly be present with each of my children every day.
And you know what I’ve learned?
That’s what they wanted from me all along.
Not a perfect mom. Not a mom who did everything.
Just me.
Pause & Reflect
Are you measuring yourself by someone else’s definition of a good parent, or by what your children truly need most from you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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See you back here soon,
Emily