A note to all moms: I see you!

Tomorrow is Mother’s Day. I don’t know about you, but I intend to celebrate at home, outside in the sunshine. No computer, no tablet, no phone, and I don’t plan to check my email, or phone messages until Monday!

New moms: Pat yourself on the back, you’re doing a great job! The first year of motherhood is a unique set of challenges. Say yes to offers of help. Keep taking it one day at a time and do not subscribe to any predetermined list of expectations. Very rarely is any part of this job “by the book”.

Toddler moms: “Terrible two” isn’t really that bad. It’s three that you need to watch out for. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and a hug. Nap time is your friend, an extra 30 minutes in front of the TV won’t “ruin” them, and time-outs (even for you) are OK! There will be public tantrums. This too shall pass. If I see you in Target, or the grocery store, looking frazzled, the first words out of my mouth will be “we’ve all been there!” You’re never alone in this!

School aged moms: Being “Supermom” is overrated. Being “Mom” is absolutely enough. Take time for yourself. Whether you head off to work during the day, or work from home; with laundry, cooking, homework, errands, and other household chores looming, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea that if you’re not “busy” you’re not doing your job. Wrong. Do something daily, weekly, or monthly that improves your personal well-being. There is some truth behind, “If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.”

“Obsolete” moms: Embrace your emotions. You have turned the corner, the role shift has begun and you have earned the right to feel all of those feelings. What now? Reinvent yourself. Congratulations if you have your next act figured out! If you’re still on the edge of the pool, put your life jacket on and jump in! Paddle around in that pool until you figure it out.

To all moms: Thank you for the things that often go unnoticed…

• Getting up early to make breakfast and lunches.
• Those who mother alone or without much support.
• Kissed elbows and band-aids on knees.
• Reading Goodnight Moon or Harold and the Purple Crayon for the 1000th time.
• Stopping to wonder if you’re doing all of this (or any of it) “right”.
• Getting back into the car to drop off at practice, or pick up, or both.
• Clean laundry.
• For Dads who “Mother”.
• Rocking colicky babies.
• Going without so your children can have what they need.
• Applying sunscreen.
• Finding the lost blanket, pacifier, shoe, stuffed toy, bouncy ball, favorite shirt…
• Pushing forward even when you think you might break.
• Extra time in the morning braiding hair.
• Teaching them how to be kind.
• Handmade costumes.
• Cheering them on.
• Helping with homework, when you still need to do your own.
• Wholesome dinners prepped when you don’t feel like it.
• Nights spent sleeping in a chair, holding a sick child.
• Giggling and belly laughs.
• Volunteering at school, for sports, or wherever you are needed.
• Strength when they are vulnerable.
• Movie nights, cuddled up under blankets, with popcorn.
• Standing up and defending your child when necessary.
• Tucking them in every night.
• Baking cupcakes at 11PM.
• Showing them how to appreciate the beauty in the world.
• Worrying about all of the little things.
• For hugs and kisses that are second nature.
• Encouraging them to work hard and follow their dreams.
• The smile on your face and doing your best, even when you’re exhausted.
• And ALL that you do to make their world a better place.

You are enough and more than enough. You are a #mom and you are incredible!

Happy Mother’s Day!

-Kim