Is it normal to regret being a mom?
It can be normal to regret becoming a mom, and that feeling doesn’t make you a bad parent or mean you don’t love your child. Occasional regret is different from feeling trapped or overwhelmed all the time.
Parenthood can bring huge sacrifices, stress, and changes you didn’t fully expect. Sometimes “I regret this” is really a way of expressing exhaustion, loneliness, or missing the life you had before. Some parents feel it only in hard moments; others feel it more persistently, and it’s not something everyone is comfortable admitting out loud.
You can love your child and still wish you hadn’t become a parent. Those feelings don’t cancel each other out, and you don’t have to pretend everything is wonderful. If the regret is weighing on you, talking honestly with someone you trust—or a therapist—can help you sort through it without judgment. If you’re feeling hopeless or unable to cope, reach out for professional support soon.