Loving Through the Unknown 💛

Few words can shake a parent like “Let’s just wait and see.”

They often come after you’ve already noticed something — maybe your baby isn’t babbling like others their age, maybe they’re not sitting up yet, or maybe something about their development just feels off. You bring your worry to the pediatrician, and instead of answers, you leave with limbo.

Wait and see.

Those words are meant to reassure — but for many parents, they do the opposite.

Because when it’s your child, waiting feels like doing nothing. You start overanalyzing every movement, every sound, every interaction. You scroll late at night, comparing milestones and timelines, your mind racing with what-ifs. You want to trust the process, but your heart feels suspended between hope and fear.

If you’re here — parenting in the unknown — this post is for you.

At Maybe Motherhood, we see you. You’re not overreacting, you’re not too anxious, and you’re certainly not alone. You’re a parent doing your best to love a child whose story is still unfolding.

Here are some ways to care for yourself and your heart while you wait:

💛 1. Acknowledge the emotional load

Uncertainty is heavy. It activates our deepest protective instincts. Name what you’re feeling — anxiety, frustration, guilt, fear. These emotions don’t make you a “worried mom.” They make you a tuned-in one.

Try journaling your thoughts, talking with a trusted friend, or meeting with a therapist who understands maternal anxiety. You don’t have to carry this alone or “be strong” every day.

🌿 2. Focus on what’s within your control

You can’t control when milestones happen, but you can control the environment your child grows in. Create moments of connection — sing, read, play, snuggle. These moments matter far more than any developmental chart.

If you feel stuck, ask your provider about early intervention evaluations. Gathering information doesn’t mean you’re expecting bad news — it means you’re being proactive in your child’s care.

🌙 3. Limit your late-night searches

It’s natural to want answers, but endless scrolling often leads to more anxiety, not clarity. Try setting boundaries with yourself: no research after 9 p.m., no comparing to other children. When your mind spirals, gently remind yourself: We’re still learning who my child is. That takes time.

🕊 4. Practice grounding in the present

When your brain races ahead to worst-case scenarios, try bringing yourself back to this moment.
Breathe deeply. Notice your child’s face, their laugh, the way they reach for you. Remind yourself: They are here. They are loved. Right now, we are okay.

Mindfulness isn’t denial — it’s a way to protect your peace in a season of uncertainty.

🌤 5. Find your circle

It’s easy to feel isolated when everyone else seems to have “typical” experiences. Seek connection with parents who understand the unknowns — whether through a local support group, online spaces, or within the Maybe Motherhoodcommunity. Sharing your story doesn’t make it heavier; it makes it heard.

Parenting through the unknown requires an incredible amount of courage — the kind that doesn’t always look like strength. Sometimes it looks like showing up to another appointment, making another call, or just getting through another day without answers.

If that’s you, you’re doing it. You’re loving through the unknown. You’re finding the magic in the maybes of motherhood.

Visit www.maybe-motherhood.com to explore mental health resources, coping tools, and guidance for connecting with trusted maternal mental health providers.

Because even in the waiting, you’re not alone. 💛