Last week someone in Media asked: “what kind of Mom are you?” To be honest, I’m not into the labels we assign to Moms. The role of “Mom” is pretty hardcore and fabulous all on its own. Labels, I feel, are another way of dividing us, when, although our lifestyle choices and journey may be different, at the core, the joys and struggles of Motherhood are truly universal. The “kind” of Mom we are can change over time, as we grow through the crazy-beautiful ride as a Mama.
While I’d like to always be seen as the “cool mom”, if I must choose a label/title at this stage of this gig, I’d call myself “The Sometimes Mom”.
Sometimes my patience is on point – the epitome of positive parenting. And sometimes I’m stressy, overloaded, and my Momster gets unleashed.
Sometimes this house functions like a well-oiled machine, and sometimes I surrender to a little dis-function, mess and mayhem.
Sometimes my fridge and pantry are well-stocked and magazine-worthy, and sometimes we have slim pickins’ to choose from.
Sometimes it’s a day full of mom life must-dos, getting ALL the things done, and sometimes I choose “to do” nada! Fend for yourselves, sweeties!
Sometimes my family eats 3 homemade meals from scratch a week, and sometimes it’s a choice of cereal or pizza delivery for the third time in a row.
Sometimes I’m polished and put together, and sometimes I’m made up of top knots held up by dry shampoo adorned in twice worn clothes.
Because what took me many years of Momming to learn is shortcuts, saving the sanity and choosing living over responsibility sometimes doesn’t make one less of a Mom – it makes you a human one. I realized the impossible standards no other role in the universe has imposed upon them than a Mother, and that trying to live up to them all the time is not only exhausting but detrimental. A mother must do so much to appear as the “good mom” and need only digress a little to be a horrible one. No other role comes with as much expectation of super-human, will one’s every move be scrutinized, will one be susceptible to shaming, judgment and comparison than that of a mother.
So, I’m good with being a “Sometimes Mom”, because it means freedom from the shackles of pretending I’m a perfect one all the time. And that, my fellow Mama friends, is the most liberating, self-loving move I ever did make on this journey yet.
What “kind” of Mom are you? I’d love to hear!
Love & light,
I am an old mom! Lived through the teen years. Now blessed to be a Nana. Mothers come in all shapes and sizes!! No one can really replace one’s Mom! But women can be motherly to all. Happy Mother’s Day!
All very true! Happy Mother’s Day to one of the best 😉 xo