There’s something oddly comforting about listening to a chilling true crime documentary while folding laundry or catching up on work. As a busy mom of big kids, my life is a whirlwind of sports practices, school projects, and constant chauffeuring. So why do I, and so many other moms, turn to stories of mystery and murder to unwind? Shouldn’t we be watching lighthearted rom-coms or meditating in peaceful silence? Maybe. But there’s something about true crime that keeps us coming back for more.
1. The Escape Factor
Motherhood is rewarding, but let’s be real—it’s also exhausting. Between managing schedules, work obligations, and the emotional rollercoaster of raising teens, sometimes I need to tune out. True crime offers a fascinating world far removed from my own. No one is asking me what’s for dinner or needs a ride to practice, and I don’t have to remind anyone to clean their room. Instead, I get to immerse myself in gripping, real-life mysteries.
And let’s face it—compared to what some of these crime victims went through, my daily chaos doesn’t seem so bad. Suddenly, a forgotten permission slip or my daughter’s eye roll feels like a minor inconvenience rather than a catastrophe.
2. The Mental Stimulation
Moms are multitaskers by nature, and true crime engages our minds in a way that other entertainment doesn’t. I analyze motives, piece together evidence, and try to predict the killer before the documentary reveals the truth. It’s like a workout for the brain, keeping me sharp even when knee-deep in meal prep.
3. A Sense of Control in a Chaotic World
Parenting older kids comes with its own brand of anxiety. They’re gaining independence, making choices (sometimes questionable ones), and navigating a world that often feels unpredictable. True crime stories, with their clear narratives and resolutions, give me a sense of control. I see justice being served (at least most of the time), and that’s reassuring in a way that real-life parenting often isn’t.
4. Bonding Over the Bizarre
True crime isn’t just a solo obsession—it’s a conversation starter. Whether discussing the latest documentary with a friend or listening to a podcast while commuting, these stories bring people together. My typical lunchtime conversation is swapping crime theories with my work friends. Who knew murder mysteries could be such a social experience?
5. It’s My Thing
At the end of the day, true crime is a form of self-care. It may be unconventional, but it works for me. It’s the thing I put on in the background while tackling my endless to-do list. It’s the guilty pleasure that makes folding socks a little less dull. It’s the one genre that holds my attention when I’m running on caffeine and a few hours of sleep.
