Hey there, mama!
I see you spraying those toddler jeans with Febreze for the third time this week and sweeping crumbs from the kitchen table onto the floor, hoping the dog will clean up your mess before anyone notices. I get it, because I’m right there with you.
And you know what? Who cares?
You don’t need to excel in every aspect of motherhood to be a fantastic mom. Anyone who tries to convince you that you must be a perfect homemaker can take a hike. So here’s a shout-out to all my fellow World’s Okayest Moms out there.
So what if…
- …your kids haven’t seen a vegetable in days? Life is hectic! If you’re juggling a full-time job, night classes, and a schedule packed with sports events, takeout is a reality. Plus, let’s be real: no kid is going to take a second bite of that gluten-free vegan tofu burger with kale on the side. They’ll survive just fine, and that’s why we have Flintstones vitamins and family dinners on Sundays!
- …your kids’ lunches resemble something straight out of a can rather than a culinary masterpiece? Who says sandwiches have to be Pinterest-perfect? That PB&J with crusts still on is just as nourishing as one shaped like a Disney character, thank you very much.
- …you brought store-bought brownies to your child’s Thanksgiving party instead of meticulously crafted tiny turkeys made from organic ingredients? You know what? You showed up, and that’s what counts. Not everyone has time to craft elaborate snacks.
- …you threw a store-bought birthday bash for your child? Just because another mom made intricate invitations doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. Handing out discount invites and serving grocery store cake doesn’t translate to less love.
- …you occasionally park your kids in front of the TV? Sure, skip the horror flicks, but a little educational programming while you tackle your to-do list isn’t the end of the world. We’re still waiting for that Jetsons-style housekeeping tech!
- …you sometimes skip pages in those long bedtime stories to save time? You’ve got a few years before they catch on to your sneaky shortcuts! The important thing is that you’re there, reading to them, even if you’re dodging the more tedious parts.
- …your kids are wearing wrinkly clothes? Who cares if the laundry never quite makes it into drawers? Clean clothes are clean clothes, and wrinkles just add character. What matters is that your kids are clothed and not running around naked!
So what if you check off these boxes and more? You’re still rocking this parenting gig!
You’re doing just fine, and your kids love you for who you are, imperfections and all. So embrace that World’s Okayest Mom title, my fellow perfectly imperfect mamas! And consider treating yourself to a glass of three-dollar wine while you’re at it. You — WE — deserve it.
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This article was originally published on March 21, 2016.
Summary
Being a mom doesn’t mean you have to be perfect at everything. Whether it’s the occasional fast food dinner, store-bought party supplies, or wrinkly laundry, what matters is that you show up for your kids. Embrace your role as one of the World’s Okayest Moms, and remember that your love and presence matter more than perfection.