A Kenyan mother of four has ignited a wide conversation on the realities of motherhood after candidly sharing her struggles on a popular Facebook group, Parenting Hub for Kenyan Mums and Dads.
In a lengthy post, the mother revealed how raising twins, now aged eight, alongside two older children has left her physically exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed.
She questioned at what age children stop being overly attached, noting that personal space has become a luxury she no longer enjoys.
According to her account, simple routines such as showering, eating, or resting have turned into rushed activities done in a constant state of panic.
She recalled moments when, while the twins were younger, house helps would wait outside the bathroom holding crying toddlers as she hurried through showers.
Years later, the situation has barely changed, with the children now knocking persistently on her door for what she described as “irrelevant reasons.”
The mother added that taking a short nap when the children are at home feels like committing a crime.
Despite having domestic help, she admitted feeling persistently overwhelmed, citing back pain from years of carrying the twins and emotional fatigue that she says is rarely discussed openly.
Her challenges extend beyond the younger children.
She also mentioned a teenager who frequently calls her when she is away from home, sometimes pulling distressing pranks such as falsely claiming to be injured, which she says adds to her anxiety.
The mother further disclosed that her husband lives far away, explaining that while he provides financial support, it does little to ease the emotional strain of single-handedly managing the household and children.
Her post struck a chord with many parents, especially mothers, who flooded the comments with messages of solidarity.
Several shared similar experiences, while others urged parents to prioritise self-care and seek emotional support.
The discussion has since grown into a broader reflection on the unseen emotional labour of parenting in Kenyan households, particularly for mothers raising children with limited spousal presence.
Reactions;
Chaki Gloria: As a mom of 1, nobody can judge me for never wanting more kids again. Kids are very draining. It is not easy at all😑 This is something many women don't open up about.
The Life Skills Academy: You should be thankful they adore you... It's not about being clingy... It's adoring you... I would suggest you use humour and it'll ease off ...
Carolyne Mwaura: Damn that teenager will make you nonresponsive when real shit happens. Sounds funny but warn him. Otherwise congratulations for raising the twins, how they've grown to 8yrs taking care of them alone deserves a Nobel. I'd advise you hibernate once in a while like a weekend and have them learn to be independent.
Tillah Mwanzia: Wean them off, you need rules of engagements and boundaries. Your current relationship is not healthy for all of you including them. 8 year olds are not babies , they will understand. And No that's not just motherhood that's selling yourself short. When you are exhausted, you can't give much to them ,you all end up being frustrated.
Cherish Gal: Enroll in parenting forums maybe they might help weuh maybe coz you are the most present parent it happens they are clingy.
Juliet Akinyi: I have 2 one is 16 the other is 11 im 33 i. Telling you the one that is 12 i cnt breath sometimes i ran away from home stay at work little longer its not easy.