7 Surprising Roles I Didn’t Expect as a Mom

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When I first embraced motherhood, I envisioned the typical responsibilities: diaper changes, feeding, and whipping up healthy meals. However, I quickly discovered a plethora of unexpected tasks that come with parenting. Here are seven roles I never anticipated taking on as a mom.

1. Hazardous Material Expert
   Before kids, I casually watched detergent commercials, unaware that “protein stain” was a secret code for moms, indicating which laundry products could tackle the most unpleasant messes. I’ve also honed the skill of cleaning vomit off walls at record speed during those sleepless nights.
2. Memory Keeper
   I’ve never been the most organized person; filing cabinets and I are not friends. The sheer amount of artwork, keepsakes, and memories that accumulate with kids can be overwhelming. Daily, I face the dilemma of deciding whether to preserve or discard items like the notebook tracking my first child’s diaper changes back when he was a baby (“1:20 poop. 1:45 poop…”). And don’t even get me started on the endless stream of drawings!
3. Flight Crew
   My new role often involves buckling little ones into their seats and constantly getting up to fetch drinks for a cranky passenger who’s had a bit too much juice. Plus, I’ve mastered the art of maintaining a cheerful demeanor, even when I’m about to lose my patience.
4. Sippy Cup Evaluator
   Over the past five years, I’ve spent a shocking $923 on sippy cups and water bottles. I’ve finally accepted that finding one that doesn’t leak, is easy for my child to use, and doesn’t harbor mildew is nearly impossible.
5. Social Coordinator
   Growing up in the carefree 70s and 80s, I don’t recall my mother ever knowing my friends’ names until I was much older. My kids, however, have a complex web of playdates and after-school activities, and my calendar resembles the jumbled notes of someone trying to decode a political map!
6. Declutter Specialist
   This role goes hand-in-hand with being a memory keeper. Living in a cozy apartment means I must regularly purge items since space is at a premium. I’m quite ruthless with broken toys and outdated school projects, making monthly trips to the donation center.
7. Wardrobe Manager
   For those who enjoy well-organized closets, the seasonal rotation of clothing is a familiar ritual. Personally, I prefer to keep all my clothes in a mixed-up heap. Yet, with kids, every six months brings the task of sorting out outgrown outfits, redistributing hand-me-downs, and acquiring new items for my ever-growing children.

Ultimately, I’ve come to see “mother” as a broad title that encompasses all these various roles. Surprisingly, I enjoy most of these tasks, and I’ve become more organized and capable than I was before becoming a mom. Plus, I’ve definitely become a pro at tackling those pesky protein stains!

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Summary:

Motherhood is filled with unexpected tasks beyond basic childcare, including organizing memories, managing social schedules, and even evaluating sippy cups. Embracing these roles can lead to personal growth and a more organized life.