Every parent knows the three P’s of child-rearing: getting Pooped, Peed, and Puked on. We’ve all tackled the aftermath of a diaper disaster or held our breath as a child’s nose erupts with a sudden, colorful stream of mucus, reminiscent of something from a horror movie. These experiences are part of the parenting journey. However, it was a surprise to discover a specific set of tasks that seem to fall solely on the shoulders of moms.
Here are some of my unique mom skills that have become family staples:
- Checking Pockets Before Laundry: If I skip this step, somehow it’s my fault when a beloved lip balm transforms our laundry into a fruity mess.
- Getting Clothes into the Laundry Basket: My family excels at dropping clothes next to the basket but struggles with the three-foot journey to actually deposit them inside.
- Proper Undergarment Removal: Teaching the kids to take off their pants before their underwear seems like it will be a summer school topic. Expect a two-part series.
- Handling the Dishwasher: Mastering the art of loading dishes correctly is a challenge. I’m grateful my family relies on me to keep this running smoothly.
- Clearing the Table: Once I prepare a meal, it’s astonishing how everyone suddenly becomes too fatigued to return their plates to the sink or dishwasher.
- Cleaning Up Tissues: The random tissues my sick child tosses around or the towering pile of discarded wipes on the table require my vigilant attention.
- Refilling Shower Soap: It’s baffling how my family can bathe without noticing the soap is empty. I can only assume the walk to the linen closet is too far.
- Collecting Outdoor Toys: After exhausting themselves outside, my kids seem incapable of recalling to bring everything back inside.
- Gathering Water Bottles: Half-full bottles scattered around the house often end up in the wrong bin, so I face the dilemma of which one to choose.
- Hanging Up Items: Bags, jackets, and gear somehow never find their way to the hooks, which are conveniently placed just a few steps away.
- Replacing Toilet Paper: It’s a mystery why putting the roll on the holder is so challenging. Expect drama when I attempt to teach this skill.
- Flushing Toilets: My kids struggle with this basic task as if it were a difficult math problem. A special class on this will be held in July.
- Toothpaste Management: While I appreciate that they brush their teeth, I expect them to clean up the sink afterwards too.
- Weather Forecasting: Checking the weather seems impossible for them, as they prefer to yell for me to provide a detailed report each morning.
- Finding Objects: “Mom! Where are my shoes?” The answer is often, “Right in the cubby at your feet.”
And of course, my ultimate skill that no one else can seem to master: turning off the 15 lights they leave on from their bedrooms to the garage every single day!
For more insights into family planning, check out our post on the Cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo. If you’re curious about body composition scans, Understanding Body Composition Scans at TFP is an excellent resource. For those looking into infertility statistics, visit the CDC’s FastStats on Infertility.
In summary, being a mom involves a unique set of skills and tasks that often go unrecognized until they become essential parts of everyday life. From laundry duties to the endless cycle of cleaning and organizing, it’s clear that many responsibilities land squarely on a mother’s shoulders.