I think it’s amazing when a mom can work all day, race home, put food on the table, play with the kids, bathe them, and then find just enough energy to read “one last bedtime story” that the kid is begging for.
I think it’s amazing when stay-at-home moms do craft projects with their kids, being patient, teaching them colors, shapes, numbers and letters. I think it’s great the one-on-one time they are able to spend with their kids, and how they make it work financially.
I think it’s amazing when a mom in college bounces a baby on one knee while typing out her English essay one handed.
I think it’s amazing when divorced parents decide to work out the best arrangment for their kids without all the bitterness that can erode relationships.
I think it’s amazing when a single mom picks her son up from daycare, takes him home and they have a wonderful time, taking pictures, laughing, playing together. I think it’s amazing that she has the energy and the strength to attempt to be both mommy and daddy.
Some of you might see all of those scenarios are pretty ordinary. Perhaps I just described you.
But to me, there’s an underlying strength that comes with being a mom. Many of us feel like we’re nowhere close to being Supermom and we shrug off any cape people try to put on our shoulders. We want no part of that game.
People may say, “I don’t know how you do it,” and you cringe like someone slapped you. “I do it because I have to,” you might think to yourself.
But let’s hold on a moment. Can’t we recognize what we do for what it is? Motherhood is probably the hardest job we will ever do. Can’t we say that? Can’t we get credit for loving these babies and raising these kids into the adults they were meant to be?
I fully celebrate my motherhood every day, and congratulate myself on a job well done every night. I tuck my kids into bed, close their doors, and take a deep breath.
I did it. Again. Got my kids through another day where they are happy, playful, intelligent little folks. Kudos to me.
So go ahead – learn how to take a compliment. Practice by giving them to yourself first.
I want you to leave a comment saying why you are a GREAT mom. Don’t be bashful!
This is a great topic! I am a mother of 3(2 girls 6 and 8 and a 2 month old son). I am a special education teacher, a grad student, mother, wife, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend! And you have definitely made me realize how great I am! My days are full. My nights are too! And don’t get me started on baby daddies ( My girls are not my husbands biological children)! Well needless to say, I am SUPER-DUPER MOM! I go to work, to school, grocery store, church, and I always find time for me, myself, and I (with the help of my super hubby)! Wow I really love being mama, now that you mentioned it! Thanks for writing about taking comments because now I will start saying “Thanks” instead of “I do it cause I have to”.
@SimplyMetra – You ARE a super-duper mom! All that AND you’re a super sexy mom, too? (No, I haven’t seen your picture but I can just tell. I don’t have ugly readers. LOL) Go ahead and pat yourself on the back!
Well you know, not to toot my own horn or anything, but… BEEP, BEEP, LOL!
Even though I constantly second guess myself, I think I’m doing an amazing job raising my son on my own with no family around to help. It feels great to say I suffered from post-partum depression, then full blown depression when my father died, yet was still able to keep it going, and even move to a different state, all to provide better opportunities for my son.
I love the fact that I can take him to the park a couple times a week, and pick him up early from day care so we can act like maniacs together. It brings out the best in me when I’m on the floor playing with him, even though most of the time he’s kicking my butt and tumbling all over me.
It’s tiring, even though I don’t work. Sometimes I think going to work would be easier than having a maniac up under you ALL day long. But keeping the house clean, paying bills, running errands, cooking meals, job searching (ugh!) is just as exhausting. But I continue to pull some strength & energy from somewhere to make sure we get play & learning time in. Some parents think showering their kids with gifts will make up for them not being there/doing other things, but that quality time is the most meaingful and I wouldn’t trade it for the world!
@Courtney – Well, you already know I think you are definitely a finalist for Mommy of the Year. Sometimes it gets hard (no matter your situation) but we MAKE IT HAPPEN. That, from my point of view at least, means that we deserve a little credit. So Courtney, I give you TONS and TONS of credit for being so darn patient, wonderful, kind, caring and sweet! Go ahead, super mama!
I’m 20y/o and I just had a baby girl 2 weeks ago. Her father (who is 19) and I broke up before I found out I was pregnant, but we’re still living together. (Besides the fact that we’re still good friends, we decided it would be best for our daughter.) Before she got here we had no clue how to take care of a baby–he’s an only child and I’m the youngest of 3. Its been quite a challenge for both of us. I’m not used to being up all hours of the night, getting peed on pooped on and spit up on. But we do it because we love our daughter. She’s the best thing that ever happened to either one of us. Yes its a challenging, exhausting job, but its so worth it.
@T – See. right there I wanted to say, “I don’t know how you do it” but I know WHY you do it. You two very obviously love your daughter and I applaud you for working it out, like some other folks might not be mature enough to do.