9 Ways Sorority Life Prepares You for the Adventure of Motherhood

By: Jenna Harper
Oct. 23, 2023

“From the outside looking in, you can never truly understand it. From the inside looking out, you can’t quite explain it.” As I look back on the journey that has brought me to this point in my life, I find myself reflecting on my days as a sorority member. Although I graduated only a few years ago, being a wife and a mom makes it feel like eons have passed. Gone are the days of sipping wine from a bag; now I opt for a nice bottle, and my evenings are spent picking up toddler toys and snuggling with my husband instead of downing shots and dancing to cheesy hits.

I’ve always had a nurturing spirit, often playing the “mom” role within my friend circles—not just because I was the one carrying aspirin or showing up with ice cream after a breakup, but because it felt like an inherent part of who I am. During my pregnancy, I devoured books, attended classes, and consulted online mom groups more than I’d like to admit. Now, as I navigate the joys and challenges of raising a 14-month-old, a lightbulb moment struck me: my sorority experience equipped me for motherhood in unexpected ways.

You might be conjuring up the usual stereotypes about sororities, but let me assure you, those are just clichés. Here’s how my time in the sisterhood translated into skills for parenting:

1. Noise Tolerance

There’s no sound quite like the chaos of a room filled with 150 sorority sisters before a meeting. That experience prepared me for the delightful chaos of a toddler wreaking havoc on a room full of toys. I can not only endure those decibel levels, but I can also bring order to the ruckus in mere seconds.

2. Singing Skills

I still cherish the songs we belted out during meetings and recruitment. I often find myself singing those same tunes to my child, especially a lullaby that (in my most hopeful moments) might coax him to sleep. Whether it’s “If You’re Happy and You Know It” or any Disney classic, those catchy songs are now part of our daily routine.

3. Mastering the All-Nighter

Pulling all-nighters in college and as a parent are worlds apart, yet both leave you wondering how you survived. My days as a sorority girl taught me how to function on minimal sleep, and that skill is invaluable when you’re up with a toddler all night. Pro tip: invest in dry shampoo before your baby arrives; you’ll be grateful!

4. Valuing Traditions

My sorority was built on cherished traditions. When I joined, it had been around for 113 years, holding steadfast to its values and sisterhood. Establishing traditions in my own family is crucial. They help us grow and create lasting memories that I’ll treasure when I look back on our journey.

5. Creative Crafting

Crafting has always been my jam. While I may not be an artist, my creative side shines when it comes to DIY projects. My toddler is still young, but I’ve already dabbled in crafting Halloween costumes and decorations for his first birthday. Stay tuned for some epic future science projects!

6. Dealing with Drama

Oh, the drama! Whether it’s sorority rivalries or playground politics, catty behavior is everywhere. Thanks to years of navigating social dynamics, I’ve honed my skills to handle any mean girls, even if they’re fellow PTA moms.

7. Strength in Community

Not all women are competitive or catty, which is a relief in both sorority life and motherhood. The support from my friends—who are also my sisters—makes all the difference in surviving the challenges of parenting and celebrating the victories along the way.

8. Embracing Team Spirit

From the moment I joined my sorority, I proudly wore my letters everywhere. Fast forward to motherhood, and I’ve swapped my sorority swag for items emblazoned with my child’s initials. I have zero shame in flaunting my “mama bear” gear, and I’m loving every minute of it.

9. Fashion Flexibility

My sorority days taught me the fine art of looking cute yet comfortable. I may wander around in oversized tees and shorts, but hey, I rocked that look in college, too! Now, as a mom, I embrace it without a second thought, and I think the barista at Starbucks might even be impressed when I wear mascara!

Reflecting on my sorority experience, I realize it gifted me with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and the skills necessary to tackle the wild ride of motherhood. For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this informative post on family-building options or explore how to create your own home insemination kit.

In summary, the lessons learned in sorority life can significantly enhance your parenting experience, providing skills and a support network that are invaluable on this journey.