Parents of newborns know they’re in the middle of a season that’s both joyful and exhausting. Yet, far too often, the comments they hear from others tend to lean negative—things like, “Don’t worry, it gets better” or “Wow, you’ve got your hands full.”
That’s why a video shared by Steph Morrison on TikTok struck such a chord. It’s a reminder of the power of positivity and how a simple shift in perspective can change everything.
“The sweetest thing just happened,” Morrison begins in her video. “I was just finishing my walk, and we were pulling down our street when this old man stopped to let us pass because we’ve got the double-wide stroller that takes up the whole space. And he goes, ‘Wow! You’re going to have a lot of fun.’”
The comment caught Morrison off guard because it reframed how she saw her own parenting journey.
“I don’t know why I’m getting emotional telling you this,” she continued. “Most people say, ‘You’ve got your hands full,’ and it’s my biggest pet peeve. But he was so sweet, and I could, like, see the memories flash through his eyeballs as he said that to me: ‘You’re going to have a lot of fun.’”
She went on to say that his words changed her mindset. “That’s the type of vibe and energy I’m going to bring to motherhood. I was already having a great time with the kids, so I don’t know why I’m crying while telling you this. But if you’re a mother out there, I hope you’re having a lot of fun, too—because why not?”
The video resonated deeply with other moms who shared similar moments of unexpected encouragement.
“An older man in the grocery store stopped me when my son was 8 months old and said, ‘Young enough to still talk to the angels—put in a good word for me!’” one commenter recalled.
Another added, “My only son is 7 months old. I can’t have any more kids due to life-threatening complications at birth. The other day, a man said to me, ‘He gets to have you all to himself. Isn’t that so special?’”
One mom summed it up perfectly: “Society makes us feel like kids are a burden. Just a little change of perspective can make all the difference.”
A positive outlook doesn’t just make life easier for parents—it also benefits their children. Kids learn by watching their parents, and those who model joy and optimism are more likely to raise happy, confident children. As The Motherhood Center in Houston puts it, “A mother’s ability to model positivity becomes a powerful tool in shaping a child’s character, fostering qualities such as kindness, compassion, and a positive outlook on life.”
Beyond parenting, Morrison’s story is a reminder for everyone about the power of leading with kindness. The elderly man could have said something generic, like “Hope you’re getting enough sleep,” but instead, he chose to highlight the joy of parenthood—and that simple shift turned into a guiding light for a young mom.
That’s the power of positivity.