Why do I feel bad for not enjoying playtime?

Question from Narda C., 38, Guadalajara, Mexico. Mama to 2-month-old baby girl Sofía.

First-time twin mom on extended maternity leave, overwhelmed by daily routines and feeling disconnected from the “fun” parts of motherhood.

Mama, 

I used to imagine myself crawling around on the floor, giggling with my babies, building blocks, and making animal noises.
I thought it would feel magical. Natural. Joyful.

But some days? It just felt like a chore.

Not because I don’t love my babies. I do — fiercely.
But because playtime isn’t always fun when you’re sleep-deprived and overstimulated.

No one talks about the boredom. The disconnect. The guilt that creeps in when you’d rather do anything than pretend to be a dinosaur for the 18th time that morning.

I remember sitting on the floor while my twins banged toys together, thinking,
“Is it bad that I don’t enjoy this?”
And then immediately — “What kind of mom thinks that?”

Here’s what I’ve learned:
You can be a good mom and still not enjoy every single moment.
You’re human. You have limits.
And playing peek-a-boo on autopilot while mentally reviewing your to-do list doesn’t make you cold or ungrateful.

Motherhood isn’t a constant highlight reel.
It’s a million small, repetitive tasks — some beautiful, some boring — that add up to something bigger.

If you don’t love every second, that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.
It just means you’re real.

And mama, you’re more than enough.

Love,
Lina P.