Mary Rooke Commentary and Analysis Writer
The New York Times opinion section is often a hotbed of bad parenting suggestions, usually written by jaded single women without children. However, the outlet recently surveyed mothers across the political spectrum, offering a rare glimpse into the beauty of motherhood to its predominantly left-wing readers.
Opening the NYT this morning to find a piece that portrayed loving and devoted mothers was (at the very least) unexpected. Of the fourteen moms in the focus group, not one responded negatively to two of the most important questions asked: What’s the best part of being a mom? And what’s the hardest part of being a mom?
“Being alive with my kids,” Sarah V. responded.
“It’s a blessing,” Cherrie said.
“It’s like watching your heart outside of your body,” Sydney said.
These are just a few of the responses from mothers who were asked what they considered the best part of motherhood. All three represent different political identities (Democrat, Independent, and Republican). Still, if it hadn’t been listed next to each of their names, one wouldn’t know by their answer to which party each woman belonged.
Similarly, when asked what was the worst part of motherhood, each woman responded with fears or worries that all mothers can relate to.
“Watching them grow up, it’s bittersweet,” Alexis said.
“Watching them struggle when you see things that you can fix, but they need to work it out themselves,” Kristi said.
“It’s kind of a duality. I don’t want to do a half-good job at being an employee, and I don’t want to do a half-good job at being a mom. But I’m the only one running the show here,” Sapphire said.
I expected to see at least one complaint about being a mom because it prevents them from living life or being successful, but this wasn’t that. Every one of the moms featured in the piece loved being mothers. They have typical worries about their children and work to find the best solutions to make them healthy and happy. It was refreshing to read. (Sign up for Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!)
In a shocking twist…
An obvious, insane, and evil lie created to destroy society, was untrue.
Marriage and motherhood make women happier, because of course they do. pic.twitter.com/vGbMiXq4mU
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) September 4, 2025
Motherhood and parenting in general have become one of the most thankless jobs in our culture, despite being essential to a healthy society. We’ve told women that they should push off motherhood for more worldly success, and discount anyone who tells women that motherhood on its own is a blessing.
It’s incredibly disheartening to hear the tired trope: “Oh, you must be anti-woman because you suggest that all women should be mothers!” The left claims free will and choice are essential parts of female empowerment, but if women choose marriage and motherhood, they talk about them as if they threw their lives away when the exact opposite is true. (ROOKE: Teenagers Are Standing Outside Of Polls Begging Adults To Rescue Them)
You won’t often see me heep praise on left-wing media, but with this piece, they got it right. Motherhood is beautiful and fulfilling. These women from all walks of life showcase this perfectly.
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