I fought hard against it. I tried to distance myself, resisting with every fiber of my being, but the truth was relentless. Eventually, I succumbed. I accepted my identity as the quintessential mom.
Occasionally, I might treat myself to a pair of trendy jeans or a stylish blouse that I saw circulating on social media. I’ll wear them for a brief period, but they quickly get relegated to the back of my closet, while my comfy tunics and leggings take center stage again. I make an effort to be unique and trendy, but at the end of the day, I’m just a weary mom who prioritizes comfort over current fashion trends.
I attempt to explore new coffee shops in my area, the ones boasting quirky decor and artisanal drinks made from ingredients that sound like they came from a fairy tale. I genuinely want to appreciate their uniqueness and atmosphere. However, more often than not, I find myself standing in line at a chain coffee shop with fellow exhausted moms, ordering a grande vanilla latte. The familiarity and simplicity are comforting amidst the chaos of motherhood.
It requires significant effort to break free from the mold of what a mom is expected to be, and honestly, I don’t have the mental energy to go against the grain. My family drives a minivan, I wear UGG boots without irony, and I firmly believe that fall is the best season—debate me on that at your own risk. And like that viral meme suggests, I have the full range of motion in my cozy leggings, so I’m ready for the challenge.
At 33, I’ve realized that I lack the desire to stand out. In truth, I’m not even sure I would want to. Stereotypes about moms exist because they resonate with many of us. Yes, we sometimes go days without a shower because we’re so exhausted. Of course, those popular Lularoe leggings are beloved because comfort is often a priority for us, given that our clothes are frequently stained with various substances. And yes, many of us unwind with a glass of wine after another exhausting day of negotiating homework with our kids.
I’ve come to understand that it’s perfectly okay to fit into the stereotype. It’s acceptable to embody what society often portrays moms as. Showing up at school pickup with a messy bun, yoga pants, and remnants of snacks in your car is just fine. Relying on dry shampoo as your go-to beauty product is completely normal. Even if your kids had mac and cheese for dinner again or you only go to the gym for the free childcare, that’s all part of the journey. And yes, if your purse has more fruit snack wrappers than cash, you’re not alone.
Even if you don’t see yourself as “different,” you are still a strong, intelligent, and beautiful woman raising capable and compassionate children. That’s a mom stereotype to take pride in.
So carry on, Mama.
For more insightful resources on pregnancy and home insemination, check out Kindbody for comprehensive guidance, and for tips on enhancing your fertility, visit Make a Mom. Additionally, Intracervical Insemination provides valuable information on the topic.
Summary: In this piece, Lisa Thompson candidly embraces the traditional mom stereotype, sharing her experiences and the comfort of fitting into this role. She acknowledges the struggles of motherhood while celebrating the strength and beauty of being a mom. The article encourages mothers to take pride in their journey, regardless of societal expectations.