"You’re On Your Own, Kid." Why That’s the Biggest Lie!
"You’re On Your Own, Kid." Why That’s the Biggest Lie!
The first time I heard You’re On Your Own, Kid, I felt that familiar sting in my chest.
Because there have been moments in my MOTHERHOOD journey where it felt like no one else could possibly understand the fight I was in.
I’ve sat in waiting rooms, my heart pounding, wondering if anyone truly saw the weight I was carrying. I’ve been in meetings where I had to be both calm and fierce, because my child’s mental health and future were on the line. And in those moments, it was easy to feel like it was all on me, every decision, every word, every ounce of strength.
🩷 But here’s the truth I’ve learned the hard way: even when it feels like you’re on your own, you are never actually alone.
God’s been there in the parking lot before I walk into an appointment. He’s been in the quiet, tear-soaked moments on my bedroom floor. He’s been the steady hand on my back when I didn’t think I could take one more step! God's got you!
🩷 The Loneliness of the Battle (And Why We Still Laugh)
Parenting a child through a mental health crisis can feel like navigating a storm without a map. People mean well, but they don’t always get it. They offer quick fixes, compare your situation to something they’ve only read about, or tell you “this too shall pass” when you’re not sure how to make it through the next hour. And after enough blank stares, unsolicited advice, and awkward silences, you start to believe that maybe no one ever truly will.
But then there are moments even in the middle of the storm that make you laugh so hard you nearly cry.
Like the day Chloe marched into the kitchen, dead serious, and announced she wanted tattoos on her knuckles. Not just one or two letters, either she had a plan for all ten fingers. Both hands. A full set.
She started brainstorming words right there while eating cereal, apparently, Cheerios pair well with questionable life decisions.
I could’ve gone full “responsible mom” mode with a lecture on permanence, regret, and how hand tattoos might limit her future career options. Instead, I just raised an eyebrow and said, “Let’s table the ten-finger ink for later, maybe after you graduate from college or just never.”
She smirked, rolled her eyes, and we both laughed until the dog started looking at us funny.
That little exchange reminded me that even when life feels impossibly heavy, laughter is still allowed. In fact, it’s necessary!! Laughter isn’t just good for the soul, it’s good for the body. Research shows it can lower stress hormones like cortisol, boost mood-boosting neurotransmitters, improve immune function, and even relax tight muscles. It’s one of the simplest, most overlooked ways to regulate your nervous system in the middle of chaos. Those moments of laughter or silliness keep us connected. They remind us our kids are still kids, full of ideas (no matter how stupid the ideas), dreams, and the occasional eyebrow-raising request. And sometimes, saying no with a smile is just as important as saying yes to the things that truly matter.
🦋 From Burnout to Battle Ready
When we believe it’s all on us, we end up running on fumes. We push harder, strive more, and carry a weight we were never meant to hold. That’s when burnout sneaks in, when our joy dries up, our patience wears thin, and we forget that the One who called us to this role of motherhood is the One who equips us for it.
God didn’t design us to white-knuckle our way through motherhood. He designed us to lean on Him and live from a place of His strength, not just our own.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
Rest isn’t lazy! Rest is refueling for the fight. And sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is take care of YOU so that YOU can be all God created you to be!!
Here are 5 quick Warrior Mom self-care resets you can do today:
1️⃣ Step outside for 5 minutes: Breathe in fresh air, feel the sun on your skin, and let your nervous system reset.
2️⃣ Hydrate before you caffeinate: Your brain and body work better with water first.
3️⃣ Write down 3 small wins: Journal & remind yourself of what you are doing well today.
4️⃣ Move your body: Even a 10-minute walk can release tension and boost your mood.
5️⃣ Talk to your people: Text a friend who “gets it” and let them speak life into you.
These aren’t luxuries, they’re fuel for the fight. Because a depleted mom can’t show up the way she wants to. But a replenished one? She’s unstoppable.
🩷 Your Anchor in the Chaos
Even when the world shouts You’re on your own, kid, God whispers:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
That truth changes everything!! It means you can walk into the hardest appointments, have the toughest conversations, and face the longest nights knowing you are backed by the God of the universe. And the same power that raised Jesus from the grave lives in you. You can do amazing and even the hard things with Christ.
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13
🩷 Warrior Mom, Here’s Your Reminder
You’re not crazy. You’re not failing. And you are never truly on your own.
God hasn’t let go of you for one single second and He won’t start now.
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
With lots of love,
🩷 Jenn Robb/Warrior Mom
💛 P.S. If you’re looking for some of my favorite resources, books, and tools that have encouraged me on this journey, you can check out my Warrior Mom Amazon Storefront, I’ve curated it just for you. Link: https://www.amazon.com/shop/warriormom_jennrobb?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_R033BBH8PBYNP2Y6RWTS
Come hang with us in the Warrior Mom Facebook group. It is a space where we remind each other that we’re not machines. We’re moms. We are Warrior Moms. And we need rest too.
FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/16faoff9Rn/
And if you haven’t read Warrior Mom Rising yet, now’s the time.
It's not a fluff book. It is real, it’s a raw, Spirit-led reminder that your pain has purpose and you are NOT alone.
Amazon Book Link: https://a.co/d/fT4eEdy
Stay tuned for ALL my NEW podcast episode releases.
There are FREE resources for you on my Warrior Mom website: https://warriormomcoach.net/
