Say what else you will about royals, one thing to admire in the Cambridges is their persistent and candid attention to mental health, especially with regards to the emotional difficulties of parenting. When Kate Middleton acknowledged this week that motherhood has been a ‘huge challenge’ for her, I’m sure I wasn’t alone nodding in agreement.
Comments like hers help destigmatize many myths of modern motherhood — that you’ll be blinded by love, forever saturated with happiness. That it’ll be easy. That it’ll be fun. That it’ll even be possible. Or that you want to have a child at all! To assume unequivocal self-assurance or satisfaction is to assume too much of ourselves, and of all women. So thanks, Kate, for helping keep it real.
Motherhood is making the news elsewhere; see below for some favorite Motto stories on various topics this week.
Mom out!
claire.howorth@time.com
1) The Benefits of Being an Older Mother
A new study shows that delaying motherhood could have some benefits
2) 7 Things My Husband and I Should Have Discussed Before We Had a Kid
Author Jancee Dunn says parents need to have these discussions before their baby arrives
3) A Mom Explains Why She’s Moving Her Family to Australia — Away from President Trump
Why one woman is going halfway around the world to escape American politics
4) Kristen Bell Says Therapy Is the Key to Her Healthy Marriage
The actor opened up about how her and her husband make their relationship work
5) 5 Things to Know About the Breast Implants Linked to a Race Cancer
Nine women in the U.S. have died, federal officials announced this week
6) Gwyneth Paltrow Just Quietly Announced That She’s the New CEO of Lifestyle Brand Goop
A company spokesperson confirmed to Motto that the actor-turned-entrepreneuer had landed a new gig
7) GOP Rep Who Left Party Felt ‘Racism and Sexism Coming Into Play’
Beth Fukumoto discussed her decision and some of the criticism she’s faced in an interview with Motto
8) What I’ve Learned as a Doctor in Ethiopia
Dr. Margaret Muldrow discusses the importance of clean water and supplies for women and babies
9) Anna Wintour’s Daughter Is Marrying the Son of Vogue Italia Editor
A spokesperson for the magazine confirmed the couple’s engagement
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com