Raw, Messy, Real: What Motherhood Can Teach Us About Storytelling


Ever read a story that makes you laugh, cry, and whisper, “That’s me”?

Mère’s Motherhood Secrets campaign is full of them. Mothers are anonymously sharing the hardest, rawest parts of motherhood online. The stories are intimate, unpolished and heartbreakingly relatable reminding us that vulnerability connects people in a way perfection never can.

Some submissions that resonated deeply:

· “I didn’t know that my toddler’s tantrums would really be about me regulating myself.”

· “I thought breastfeeding would come naturally—it didn’t. Isolating. Physically painful. All-consuming. We fought for it and I’m so proud.”

· “My daughter’s nap time is my favorite time of day.”

· “I never realized how hard it would be to juggle work and motherhood and that I judged mothers before I became one.”

Why it works:

· Vulnerability creates empathy: Real voices invite readers in.

· Relatability sparks connection: Even anonymous, these stories remind mothers—and everyone—that their experiences are valid and shared.

· Emotion drives retention: You don’t just read these stories, you feel them. And felt stories stick.

Community & Loyalty:

Beyond empathy, campaigns like this foster a sense of community. Readers see their experiences reflected in others’ stories or feel brave enough to contribute their own. Suddenly, they’re part of something bigger.

Mère’s Motherhood Secrets campaign inspired me to share mine:

I thought my anxious, intrusive thoughts would get better with time, but they haven’t. In a way, they’ve gotten worse. I struggle daily to not let my own anxiety and fear of the very scary world we live in clip my children’s wings.

Scout Takeaway: Authenticity beats polish. Show the cracks, highlight humanity, and let audiences see themselves in your story. That emotional connection builds trust and loyalty: people return, engage, and share the story, strengthening the brand naturally.

More of Mère’s great storytelling is on their Instagram page or you can submit your own Motherhood Secrets on their website.

Creativity Challenge

Think of a story from your life that’s messy, raw, or vulnerable. Write it in 3-5 sentences, focusing on emotion and relatability. Then ask yourself:

· How could this vulnerability connect with your audience?

· Which details make it universally relatable?

· Could this story inspire participation or engagement, like sharing or discussion?

The stories that stick aren’t perfect—they’re real.

And always remember, especially for all the mamas out there

You’re doing amazing sweetie.

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