I tried my hardest to resist it. I ran away, I fought against it with everything I had, determined to keep it at arm’s length. But in the end, I couldn’t escape the inevitable. I finally gave in and accepted my fate: I am, without a doubt, the quintessential mom.
Occasionally, I’ll treat myself to a pair of trendy jeans or a chic blouse that I spotted on social media. I might wear them for a week or two before they gradually get pushed to the back of my wardrobe, as my go-to tunic tops and leggings reclaim their place in my daily attire. I make an effort to stand out, to be the ‘cool mom,’ but let’s face it: at the end of a long day, I choose comfort every time.
I often venture out to the trendy coffee shops in my area, the ones that boast unique decor and artisanal drinks crafted with ingredients that sound like they came straight out of a fairy tale. I want to appreciate their charm and creativity, but in reality, I just want to order a familiar grande vanilla latte from a well-known chain and enjoy the simplicity of it all alongside other exhausted moms wrangling toddlers. It’s warm, reliable, and utterly devoid of surprises.
Breaking free from the mold of the stereotypical mom takes energy and effort that I simply don’t possess. Yes, we drive a minivan, I wear UGG boots without a hint of irony, and yes, fall is undoubtedly my favorite season — so much so that I’d defend it fiercely if anyone disagreed. As that popular meme says, I’m ready for a debate because these amazing leggings give me full range of motion.
At 33 years old, I’ve realized that I don’t have the capacity to be anything but myself. And honestly, I’m not sure I’d want to be different anyway. The stereotypes about moms exist for a reason; they reflect the realities many of us share. Yes, we occasionally go days without a shower because we’re too exhausted. Yes, those comfy Lularoe leggings are popular because, let’s face it, most of our clothes are stained thanks to our little ones. And yes, we often pour ourselves a glass of wine after a long day of negotiating homework battles.
I’ve come to understand that it’s perfectly okay to embody a stereotype. It’s acceptable to be a caricature of what society envisions for mothers. It’s more than fine to pull up to the school in yoga pants, a messy bun, and a sprinkle of french fries on the floor of the car when your child hops in. If dry shampoo is your go-to beauty product, embrace it. If your kids had mac and cheese for dinner yet again, no judgment here! And if your purse is filled with more fruit snack wrappers than dollar bills, that’s just part of the mom life.
Even if you don’t stand out, you are still a strong, intelligent, and beautiful woman raising kind and capable children. And that’s a mom stereotype you should take pride in.
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In summary, embracing the mom stereotype is not only acceptable, it can be liberating. It’s a reflection of our shared experiences as mothers, and there’s strength in recognizing that we are all navigating this journey, one messy bun at a time.