As contemporary mothers, we often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of unrealistic expectations. Personally, I wasn’t nurtured by the “Best Mom Ever.” Rather, I had the pleasure of growing up with the “Okayest Mom” on the planet—one who was refreshingly unconcerned with the status quo of parenting.
Last holiday season, my mom turned to my sister and me and said, “Somehow, I ended up raising two strong, independent women, even though that wasn’t my goal.” We all chuckled, knowing just how true that was. Despite her chaotic approach to motherhood, she still expects royal treatment on Mother’s Day. So, in her honor, let’s reflect on the many “okayest” mothers who shaped our choices. Trust me, we could all use a boost in self-esteem.
You Don’t Chain-Smoke.
When was the last time you looked at your living space and thought it resembled a dive bar? Never? That’s wonderful! It means you’re not chain-smoking around your kids or in your home. All the sugar your children might consume seems trivial in comparison.
You Utilize Kitchen Tools as Intended.
That wooden spoon? It was practically a family member in our house. Sure, I tried to hide it, but your kids likely don’t associate kitchen utensils with anything other than cooking. When I mention a “wooden spoon,” my daughter thinks of baking, not discipline.
You Actually Use Car Seats.
After her divorce, my mom took me on a trip to the beach with her new partner who owned a tiny Datsun. Guess where I ended up? Yep, tucked into the hatchback for the two-hour ride home at the age of 10. Nowadays, we’re all about those car seat guidelines, no questions asked.
You’re More Whole Foods Than Processed Meals.
At nine, my mother put me on a SlimFast regimen—not because of my weight, but because I was short. The fear of bullying led her to create bizarre meals that were more chemistry experiment than food. We’re all worried about breast versus formula nowadays, aren’t we?
You Can’t Imagine Abandoning Your Kids.
Before I could even finish saying, “I’m pregnant,” my mother made a swift exit from Pennsylvania to New Jersey. Her timing was impeccable, leaving me questioning her commitment. Clearly, attachment parenting wasn’t her style.
You Have a Support System.
There was a time when my mental health hit rock bottom, and my mother, concerned yet distant, drove two hours to deliver her own antidepressants. That was her version of support. Thank goodness we have our kids to hug a little tighter after moments like these.
When I affectionately dubbed my mother “The Okayest Mom on the Planet,” she took it as a badge of honor. It’s important to view our choices, not as failures, but as the best decisions we could make with what we knew at the time. My mom navigated motherhood with flair, leaving a trail of laughter and lessons behind her. Without her, my life would likely be a forgettable flick lost in the depths of streaming.
Let’s not strive for the “Best Mom” award but instead embrace the glory of being the “Okayest.” Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there—your card is definitely on the way. And if you’re considering home insemination, check out this in-depth article for more insights.
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Summary:
This piece celebrates the authenticity of mothers who embrace their “okayest” parenting style while offering a humorous reflection on the unrealistic standards often set for motherhood. It acknowledges the importance of self-acceptance in parenting, providing a relatable glimpse into the lives of moms who prioritize love over perfection.