91% of Moms Feel This—And It’s Time We Talk About It

91% of Moms Feel ‘Mom Guilt’—A New Campaign Is Trying to Change That

Just ahead of Mother’s Day, new research is putting a spotlight on something many moms quietly carry: the feeling that they’re not doing enough.

And according to the data, it’s nearly universal.

The Pressure Moms Feel Every Day

A new national survey commissioned by Teleflora found that 91% of mothers experience “mom guilt,” with nearly three in four saying they sometimes worry they’re falling short for their children.

It’s not just occasional, either.

For many—especially younger moms—those feelings show up daily.

Gen Z and millennial moms report the highest levels of guilt, with nearly half of Gen Z moms and 40% of millennial moms saying they feel it every single day.

Working moms feel it even more, with 94% reporting those same pressures.

The “Perfect Mom” Standard

So where is this pressure coming from?

The survey points to a mix of internal and external forces.

Most moms say the pressure comes from themselves—but social media, comparisons to other parents, and even expectations from their own children all play a role.

At the center of it all is an impossible standard: the idea of being the “perfect” mom.

More than 70% of respondents say they feel pressure to live up to that image.

And it’s taking a toll.

A Need for Reassurance

Perhaps the most telling number:

84% of moms say they need more reassurance that they’re doing a good job.

Among younger moms, that number climbs even higher.

It’s a reminder that behind the day-to-day routines—school drop-offs, meals, schedules—there’s often a quiet question running in the background:

Am I enough?

A Campaign Built Around One Message

In response, Teleflora has launched a new campaign centered on a simple idea: moms don’t need to be perfect—they just need to be seen.

The campaign highlights everyday moments of doubt—feeling too strict, too distracted, or not present enough—and reframes them through the lens of love.

Because, as the message suggests, what defines a good mom isn’t perfection.

It’s care, effort, and showing up.

More Than a Holiday Message

With Mother’s Day approaching—and May also marking Mental Health Awareness Month—the timing is intentional.

The goal isn’t just to celebrate moms for one day.

It’s to acknowledge the emotional weight many carry year-round—and to remind them that they’re doing better than they think.

A Simple Shift That Matters

In a culture that often emphasizes doing more, achieving more, and being more, this message stands out for its simplicity:

You don’t have to be perfect to be a great mom.

And sometimes, hearing that—really hearing it—can make all the difference.