After putting my children to bed last night, I glanced around my home and took in the traces of their playful day—evidence of their curiosity and creativity. As a mother of a seven-year-old, five-year-old, and a two-year-old, I often find cleaning and organizing taking a back seat. In this whirlwind of motherhood, I strive to engage fully with my kids rather than feel overwhelmed by housework.
Sure, I appreciate a tidy environment. I love organization, and I notice every misplaced item and every crumb underfoot. I dream of a day dedicated to deep cleaning my space, only to realize it would be undone within moments. Yet, I know that one day, my home will reflect my style, thanks to the likes of Chip and Jo. But until then, I have just 18 years filled with fingerprints, crayon marks, laundry, and all the delightful chaos that comes with raising children.
When that final child heads off to adulthood, I suspect I’ll long for those noisy, messy days. I’d gladly exchange my dream home for more time with my kids, for the joy of their exploration and growth.
For now, I want to be the mom who sets aside the dishes for an art project, who forgets about cleaning because laughter takes precedence, and who orders pizza to snuggle with a fussy toddler. Here’s a glimpse into our lives—14 signs that you’re a (great) mom. And to my mom and mother-in-law, I assure you it’s usually not this chaotic!
- A sink brimming with dirty dishes.
- A toilet paper roll that leaves you questioning if it’s safe to use.
- Breakfast remnants lingering until lunchtime.
- Bowls and baskets filled with random items.
- Toys encroaching on your personal space.
- Surprising finds in unexpected places.
- A kitchen counter cluttered with the day’s activities.
- A stovetop that reveals a meal was made, but cleaning was skipped.
- A refrigerator stuffed haphazardly after a grocery run, due to children vying for attention.
- A lunch that barely qualifies as balanced, because you’re too tired to whip up a PB&J.
- Milk left out, praying it’s still good enough to return to the fridge.
- Laundry that sits in a basket for days while you sift through it.
- A dining table that resembles a disaster zone.
- A heartfelt wish for your kids to sleep long enough for you to recover from yet another glorious, chaotic day of parenting.
This article originally appeared on May 22, 2020. For more parenting insights, check out this other blog post for a deeper dive into similar topics.
When it comes to managing the ups and downs of motherhood, it’s essential to remember that every moment, messy as it may be, contributes to our children’s growth. Resources like WebMD can provide valuable insights into pregnancy and self-insemination, while Intracervical Insemination offers expert advice on related subjects.
In summary, motherhood is a blend of chaos and joy, where the mess often signifies love and life. Embrace the signs that you’re a great mom—you’re doing better than you think!