As contemporary moms, we often set impossibly high standards for ourselves. Personally, I wasn’t raised by a paragon of motherhood. Instead, I had the “Okayest Mom” on the planet—someone who really didn’t sweat the small stuff and certainly didn’t adhere to typical greeting card sentiments.
Last holiday season, my mom turned to my sister and me and said, “I raised two strong, independent women, and honestly, that wasn’t even my goal.” Trust me, we totally get it, Mom.
However, let’s not forget that she still expects royal treatment on Mother’s Day, despite her chaotic tendencies. So, in honor of our okayest mothers, let’s reflect on what makes them so unique and celebrate the choices we made that brought us here. We could all use a confidence boost.
You don’t chain-smoke.
When was the last time you looked around your living room and thought, “Wow, I really nailed the dive bar aesthetic with this haze of smoke”? Probably never! That’s a win for you, indicating that you don’t expose your kids to secondhand smoke like some past generations did. And that sugar rush your kids experience? It seems trivial in comparison.
You actually use kitchen utensils for their intended purpose.
The “Wooden Spoon” was practically a family member in my household. Sure, I’d sneak it away to avoid its second function, but I can bet your children link wooden spoons with baking cookies, not as a disciplinary tool.
You prioritize car seats.
After my parents split, my mom once took me on a trip in a tiny two-seater car. For a two-hour journey, she tucked me in the hatchback—not exactly what car safety guidelines recommend today! However, you probably follow the modern rules of car seats until your kids are well into their teen years.
You are more Whole Foods than Hamburger Helper.
At age nine, I was put on a SlimFast diet—not because I was overweight, but because my mom was worried about future bullying due to my height. So instead of nutritious meals, I was given chemically-laden shakes. And we’re still debating breast vs. formula?
You can’t imagine abandoning your kids.
I barely managed to say, “I’m pregnant,” before my mom dashed off to another state. Nothing says “I’m here for you” like a sudden exit. She claims it was just poor timing, but I’ve moved past it. Attachment parenting? Not her style.
You have a support system or at least a therapist for tough times.
There was a period when I struggled deeply with depression, prompting my mom to drive two hours just to hand me her antidepressants before heading back home. Talk about maternal concern!
That moment I dubbed her “The Okayest Mom” and she took it as a compliment.
We can choose to see our parenting choices as mistakes or as the best we could do with the knowledge at the time. My mom tried hard, often with flair—there’s no door she hasn’t burst through dramatically. Without her influence, my life might resemble a forgettable indie film.
In the grand scheme, my mother has a knack for transforming every story for the better, and she’s certainly made a fair share of questionable choices along the way. I stand in her shadow, learning as I go.
May we all aspire not for the title of “Best Mom,” but for the recognition of being the okayest. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. Your card is on its way!
For more insights on the journey of motherhood, you can check out this resource as well as this one for helpful information. And if you’re interested in pregnancy guidance, this site is an excellent resource.
Summary
This piece humorously reflects on the “Okayest Moms” who raised us, emphasizing that we often hold ourselves to unrealistic expectations. Instead, we should celebrate the unique journey of motherhood, recognizing both the imperfections and the strengths that shape our experiences.