As summer arrives—complete with sweltering heat and the ever-present scent of sunscreen—I’ve taken my little ones to some of Boulder’s favorite pools. Observing how other parents interact with their kids has turned into a fascinating pastime for me, perhaps due to my own limited social outings. Here’s a look at the various types of moms you might come across at the pool this season:
- The Regulars: The pool is their domain, and you’ve simply stumbled into it. They arrive in tight-knit groups, claiming the prime spots with their matching foldable chairs, colorful towels, and organized snacks. If they don’t recognize you, expect a few suspicious glances as they assess your ragtag setup and chocolate-smeared children.
- The Nannies: Often mistaken for moms, these caregivers can appear just as fatigued. One nanny I encountered recently mentioned her “set script” for managing the kids, which felt far from genuine. The little girl she was watching continued to push others off the slide, seemingly unfazed by her attempts to maintain order.
- The Fun Mom: This mom has a knack for making the rest of us feel inadequate. She’s the one who enthusiastically tickles her child on the slide every single time, carries them around like they’re a backpack, and instigates games of tag where she actively participates. Oh, and she brings swim noodles too. Her kids exude an air of smugness, fully aware of their “Fun Mom” luck.
- The Phone Moms: Some moms seem glued to their phones, completely oblivious to the chaos unfolding around them. Their child might be munching on snacks belonging to others or attempting to use my kid as a float, all while Phone Mom scrolls away without a care.
- The Toddler plus New Infant Desperation Mom: With a newborn snoozing nearby and a rambunctious toddler wreaking havoc, this mom appears overwhelmed. She’s lucky if her swimsuit is even on correctly, and you can often catch her dozing off in the shallow end—only to be jolted awake by a wayward swim noodle.
- The Perfect Mom: Almost as challenging to be around as the Fun Mom, she embodies the ideal. Her abs could rival those of a fitness model, and her kids are impeccably groomed. I find myself envious, wondering why I don’t have the same dedication to my appearance or the funds to invest in nice beach gear.
- The Mom Looking for a Friend: I can relate to this mom’s quest for companionship. She strikes up conversations based on the similarities between her children and yours, finding common ground amidst the chaos of parenthood. “Your child enjoys jumping off tall things? So does mine!” you might hear her exclaim as you both navigate the waters of parenting.
- The Hippie Mom: You can spot her by her homemade vegan snacks and children with names like Sunshine and Moonbeam. Despite the chaos, she radiates tranquility as her kids squabble. Don’t be surprised if one of her little ones asks for a sip of her drink right from the source—it’s all part of her free-spirited approach.
- The Grandma: In Boulder, it’s often hard to distinguish between younger mothers and grandmothers. Many grandmas here are stunning and still sport two-pieces confidently. You’ll often find them genuinely engaging with the children, sharing high-fives and delicious snacks that seem to be a hit with everyone.
- The Discipline Mom: This mom has a strict set of rules for her kids, demanding their best behavior at all times. From no pushing to no poolside antics, she’s quick to enforce time-outs and discuss good versus bad choices. I can’t help but think that sometimes, kids just want to splash a friend for fun!
At different points, I’ve embodied each of these mom types, depending on the day and the amount of sleep my children have allowed me. However, I’ve never quite reached the level of the Perfect Mom—there’s undoubtedly some wildness lurking beneath her polished surface.
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In summary, the summer pool scene is filled with diverse moms, each adding their own flavor to the experience. Whether you connect with the Fun Mom or find yourself more aligned with the Discipline Mom, there’s camaraderie in the shared chaos of parenting.