During those early months with a new baby, first-time parents often receive an outpouring of support from friends, family and neighbors. But as time goes on, that steady stream of support can wane and by the time you’re navigating the challenges of toddlerhood, it can feel almost nonexistent. However, rest assured—not everyone has forgotten you.

In a heartfelt viral post, pop star and new mom Jessie J spoke out about the often-overlooked support drop-off during the toddler years. “The day comes. I personally don’t think you notice exactly when it does. But it does, when people stop checking in on you as much,” the Bang Bang singer captioned an Instagram carousel featuring sweet moments with her son Sky. “They stop asking how you’re feeling or how the baby is doing. They stop offering support and advice freely.”

The Grammy-nominated artist continued, “Well… they’re not so much a baby anymore and people have their own lives to go and check on. It’s a bittersweet moment because it means you’ve made it through postpartum and into the toddler phase and people trust that you’ve got it. But on the other hand, you can find yourself alone in many moments in this still very new normal, thinking, ‘Woof… am I doing it right? What do I do now? Are they allowed this? How does that work? Am I okay? And listening to Baby Shark this many times surely isn’t okay?’”

“Motherhood is a whole new level of self-belief,” she added. “I’m here to tell you, mama, you are doing it right. You are doing it wrong. You are doing it your way. Toddler Mum appreciation post to YOU. Giving myself a hug. Don’t forget to give yourself one too.”

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The comments section lit up with parents resonating deeply with Jessie J’s message. “You’ll feel this way through all the phases particularly as they get older. My son is six now and it’s all hard in different ways,” one parent shared. “You’re doing a wonderful job and in every phase you will meet a new you. And just when you think you can’t stretch anymore, you do.”

Another praised Jessie’s strength, writing, “People are watching you thrive, admiring your joy and seeing how content you and your family are. I think it’s more a feeling of, ‘Damn, she really is living more than ever now.’” One commenter even joked, “They check in on you again in a few years when you’ve gone from ‘mommy’ to ‘mom’ to ‘bruh.’”

Jessie J’s candid post is a reminder that parenting doesn’t get easier—it just changes. Whether it’s sleepless nights with a newborn or the endless questions of toddlerhood, the need for community and support remains. So, take a cue from Jessie: check in on the toddler parents in your life. Sometimes, a simple “How are you holding up?” can make all the difference.

Life & Relationships