I did my best to resist it. I tried to flee from it. I fought tooth and nail with every ounce of willpower to keep it at bay, but it kept creeping closer. Eventually, I had to relent. I surrendered. I accepted the truth: I fit the mom stereotype.
Yes, on rare occasions, I’ll splurge on some trendy jeans that are all the rage this season or pick up those Pinterest-perfect blouses. I might wear them for a week or two, but soon they find their way to the back of my closet, while my trusty tunics and leggings reclaim their spot on my mom bod. I strive to be unique and current, but let’s face it: at the end of the day, I’m just a tired mom who prioritizes comfort over the latest fashion trends.
I try to check out the new coffee shops in my neighborhood — the ones with unique decor and elaborate drinks, the cafés that boast ingredients sourced from enchanted fields and watered with the dreams of children. I want to enjoy their charm and atmosphere. But honestly, what I really crave is to stand in line with other weary moms, toddlers in tow, and order a grande vanilla latte from a well-known chain. It’s familiar, it tastes great, and there are no surprises, just warm coffee on a chilly day.
Breaking free from the mold of what a mom should be takes time and energy that I simply don’t possess. My family rolls around in a minivan, I wear UGG boots without a hint of irony, and yes, autumn is undoubtedly the best season ever — and I will defend that claim fiercely. As that viral meme suggests, I have the upper hand in this debate because I’m rocking some fabulous leggings.
At 33, I just don’t have the bandwidth to strive for uniqueness. I’m not sure I even want to. Stereotypes about mothers exist because they resonate with so many of our experiences and emotions. Do we sometimes go days without showering because we’re too exhausted to lift our arms? Absolutely. Are those trendy Lularoe leggings so popular because we prioritize comfort over style, especially when our wardrobes are often stained with various substances? You betcha. Do we indulge in a glass of wine every night to unwind after battling our kids over homework for the fourth consecutive night? You bet.
I’ve come to realize that it’s perfectly fine to fit the stereotype. Embracing the caricature of what society expects of moms is not a failure. It’s okay to pull up to school drop-off with a messy bun, yoga pants, and a few French fries scattered in the backseat when your kid hops in. It’s perfectly acceptable if dry shampoo is your go-to beauty product, if mac and cheese is on the dinner menu for the umpteenth time, or if you visit the gym mainly for the free childcare. And yes, having more fruit snack wrappers in your purse than dollar bills in your wallet is totally relatable.
Even if you don’t fit the mold of “different,” you are a strong, intelligent, and beautiful woman raising kind and capable children. That’s a mom stereotype to take pride in. So carry on, Mama.
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