There’s something about the term “Mommy” that sends a shiver down my spine. It’s akin to the feeling of nails scraping against a chalkboard or the dissonance of metal scraping against porcelain. Overly sweet and cloying, it’s a description that fits perfectly. Every evening, I silently thank the parenting gods that I transitioned directly from “Mama” to “Mom,” bypassing “Mommy” entirely.
My Aversion to “Mommy”
My aversion to this term is perplexing. I hear “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy” all around the parenting sphere without a flicker of annoyance. Yet when it escapes the lips of my own beloved children, a visceral reaction stirs within me: a mix of irritation and the urge to react. It’s as if the word and whining are intertwined—both trigger an immediate, instinctive response in me that signals a potential meltdown.
My kids are well aware of this; they exploit my distaste. When they’re feeling cheeky, when they want something, or when they’re vying for the “Most Annoying Child of the Year” award, they strategically drop the “Mommy” bomb, knowing it will grab my attention. I can just hear them in the most irritating tones:
- “Oops, Mommy, I couldn’t hold it in!”
- “Mommy, can we have candy for breakfast?”
- “Just one more minute, Mommy!”
While this strategy often fails to yield the desired results, it does succeed in making my jaw clench in irritation.
The Cultural Baggage of “Mommy”
The term “Mommy” feels overly sentimental and sugary, almost patronizing, laden with cultural baggage I struggle to shake off. Take, for instance, the infamous movie “Mommie Dearest,” which scarred many children in the ’80s. When I think of “Mommy,” Joan Crawford’s terrifying eyebrows come to mind.
The title of “Mommy” lacks gravitas; it’s something you might find on a novelty onesie or a Precious Moments figurine, often associated with matching outfits that scream silliness. It carries an air of frivolity and fragility, making it easy to dismiss. A “Mommy” might offer hugs and affirmations, but she lacks the authority that a “Mother” embodies.
Embracing My Role as a Mother
I am many things, but sugary and wholesome aren’t among them. Sure, I can share laughter and cuddles, but often I’m more about tough love and getting things done. I simply don’t fit the mold of “Mommy.”
So if your breakfast plans include M&Ms—never completely out of the question—remember this: Don’t call me “Mommy.”
Further Reading
For more insights into parenting and home insemination, check out this post about cryobaby home intracervical insemination syringe kit combo. And if you’re curious about developmental milestones, here’s a guide on when babies start sitting up. For those interested in pregnancy resources, the World Health Organization offers excellent information.
Conclusion
In summary, the term “Mommy” elicits an unwanted reaction that I’d rather avoid. It feels overly sentimental and trivializes the role of a mother. I’m not here for the sweetness; I’m all about the reality of parenting.