I Embrace the Mom Stereotype, and I Wouldn’t Change a Thing

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I tried to resist it. I attempted to evade it. I battled fiercely to keep it at bay, but it just kept coming for me. In the end, I had to surrender. I admitted to myself: I fit the classic mom stereotype.

Sure, every now and then, I might splurge on a pair of trendy jeans that are supposedly “in” this season or grab a cute blouse that’s all the rage on Pinterest. I’ll wear them for a week or two, but soon enough, they’ll be relegated to the back of my drawer as my trusty tunic tops and leggings reclaim their spot on my mom bod. I strive for uniqueness, for relevance, but at the end of the day, I’m a worn-out mom who prioritizes comfort over high fashion.

I make the effort to explore new coffee shops in my area — the ones with quirky décor and fancy drinks that boast ingredients sourced from magical lands. I want to appreciate their creativity and ambiance. But, honestly, more than anything, I crave the familiar comfort of ordering a grande vanilla latte from a well-known chain alongside other weary moms with toddlers in tow. It’s predictable, it’s dependable, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need on a chilly day.

Breaking the mold of what a mom “should” be takes time and energy, and frankly, I just don’t have the mental bandwidth to be a nonconformist. Yes, we drive a minivan, I wear UGG boots without a hint of irony, and fall is, without a doubt, the best season — I’ll defend that until my last breath! And like that viral meme suggests, leggings give me the freedom to fight that battle.

At 33, I simply don’t have the energy to strive for uniqueness. I’m not even sure I want to. The stereotypes about motherhood resonate because they reflect the reality of what many of us experience. Do moms sometimes go days without showering because we’re too exhausted to lift our arms? Absolutely. Are those popular Lularoe leggings a hit because we prioritize comfort over style, especially when our wardrobe is often splattered with various stains? You betcha. Do we rely on a nightly glass of wine to unwind after a chaotic evening of homework battles? Of course!

I’ve come to realize that it’s perfectly fine to embody a stereotype. It’s okay to be a caricature of what society expects from moms. It’s absolutely acceptable to pull up to the school pickup line with a messy bun, yoga pants, and a few stray French fries tumbling out of the backseat when your kid hops in. It’s fine if dry shampoo is your go-to beauty product. It’s okay if your dinner plan consists of mac and cheese once again, or if you hit the gym primarily for the free childcare. And yes, it’s definitely alright if your purse has more fruit snack wrappers than dollar bills.

Even if you don’t stand out, you are still a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman raising kind and capable children. And that’s a mom stereotype worth celebrating. Keep thriving, Mama!

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In summary, embracing the mom stereotype can be liberating. It’s okay to be comfortable, relatable, and true to yourself while raising wonderful kids.