When I was young, single, and living life on my own terms, I thought having a squad was everything. But that was before I truly understood what it meant to be a mom. Once you embrace motherhood, your bond with your Mom Squad becomes deeper than any pop song could express. Sure, you may not be capturing glamorous selfies in the latest fashion, but that’s okay—I’m just looking for tips on how to juggle kids and chaos.
Once you become a parent, connecting with other moms shifts from a social trend to an essential lifeline. Imagine the difference between wanting to lose your mind at 2 a.m. while whipping up dozens of cupcakes for the classroom party, versus sending your best friend a comical photo of you holding that mixer like a weapon. She’ll totally get it and may even respond with a picture of her own kitchen disaster while assembling 250 Ants on a Log.
Mom Squads inherently understand the struggles of modern motherhood. While our own mothers might shower our kids with love and offer advice, they often don’t grasp the nuances of parenting today. With the rise of Pinterest-perfect lifestyles, Instagrammed family outings, and blogs promoting curated wardrobes, it’s easy to feel lost. The only “Barney” in my life right now is a dusty DVD overdue from the library featuring a purple dinosaur.
And let’s face it, partners often miss the mark too. They don’t juggle kids, appointments, and their own social lives while attempting to appear effortlessly stylish—or deal with the postpartum blues and the awkwardness of discussing how much wine is acceptable during breastfeeding. They aren’t the ones facing off against the perfectly coiffed mom at playdates, nor do they understand the anxiety of shopping for clothes when you feel like a frumpy mess.
Mom Squads serve a greater purpose than just providing company while we attempt to ignore the chaos of our children fighting over toys. They are our safe space to vent, our laughter during mundane moments, and our allies in labeling laundry piles as “art installations.” They’re like live-in antidepressants—free, dependable, and guaranteed to make even the toughest tasks, like potty training, feel a bit lighter.
Mom Squads don’t demand perfection. If you forget snacks for a playdate, they’ll bring extras. If your house resembles a scene from a disaster movie, they’ll lend a hand in tidying up. On New Year’s Eve, they’re the ones who show up with the whole family (and snacks) for a pizza party that inevitably ends with synchronized meltdowns at 10 p.m.
With Mom Squads, you can share your feelings of inadequacy as your childless friends flaunt their glamorous vacations on social media. While they’re dining out at trendy restaurants, you’re reminiscing about a chaotic trip to Disney on Ice, where adult beverages were strictly off-limits. But hey, next time, your Mom Squad can join, because no one should navigate those experiences alone.
Mom Squads help remind you that, despite the chaos, you’re still an individual. Sometimes leggings are all you need to feel put together, and boxed mac and cheese can totally count as a nutritious meal. And when your partner enjoys uninterrupted bathroom breaks, it’s okay to feel a little envious.
Most importantly, while your friends dine at 8 p.m., your Mom Squad is ready to hit the town or chill at home in pajamas, ready to indulge in cheap wine and unrestricted conversation without interruptions from tiny tyrants needing diaper changes or snack attacks.
For more insights into navigating motherhood, be sure to check out our other posts like this one on home insemination and explore resources like IVF Babble for all your pregnancy and home insemination needs.
In summary, having a support system through your Mom Squad enriches the parenting experience, offering laughter, understanding, and acceptance in a world that often feels overwhelming.