Menu
Parenting
The Shift from ‘Mommy’ to ‘Mom’
by Jenna Fields
March 5, 2023
I can vividly recall the moment my oldest child, who was just 10 years old at the time, addressed me in a way that left me utterly stunned. I froze, my brow knitted in confusion and my mouth slightly ajar, as he casually walked away. What had he just called me? MOM.
I had always imagined my kids would cling to the titles of “Daddy” and “Mommy” forever, and honestly, I was perfectly fine with that. While my younger sons oscillated between “Mommy” and “Mom,” my oldest had always been firmly in the “Mommy” camp—he had never called me “Mom” until that moment.
“Thanks, Mom,” he said, his voice echoing a maturity that felt too advanced for his years. He walked off to his room as if nothing had happened, leaving me reeling. My baby!
This was the year before he would transition into middle school. I watched as he grew taller, limbs becoming more lanky and awkward, resembling a newborn colt. Although he still enjoyed playing with his brothers, I noticed his interests shifting, and friendships blossoming outside of our family circle. Every now and then, I caught glimpses of the teenage attitude that was bound to escalate—eyerolls, slumped shoulders, and exasperated sighs. I understood that growing up was inevitable, but wasn’t it just yesterday when he was a chubby toddler handing me dandelion bouquets? How had time slipped away so quickly?
Navigating motherhood is a series of endless challenges, and I thought after a decade of raising four children, I had mastered the art. I could change diapers in a flash, calm a toddler tantrum like a pro, and predict when someone was about to be sick before it happened. But this was a new territory for me—none of my children had matured like this before.
There were moments I felt overwhelmed by the constant calls of “Mommy,” which seemed to echo endlessly as I catered to their every need. Sometimes, I’d roll my eyes or sigh in frustration after hearing it for the umpteenth time. Now, that phase was over, and it felt as though a switch had been flipped. The dropping of those two letters was more than just a title change; it was a significant shift in our relationship. I realized he no longer needed me in the same way.
What felt natural to him was a bittersweet revelation for me. Life often presents new thresholds that we must cross, whether we are ready or not. The preteen roller coaster was just beginning, and this unexpected utterance of “Mom” sent a wave of emotions crashing over me: surprise, uncertainty about the future, and an overwhelming sense of nostalgia for the fleeting years of childhood.
For those navigating similar waters, it can be helpful to explore resources like this informative post or check out Resolve for more insights on family building options. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers quality syringe kits to support your journey.
In summary, the transition from “Mommy” to “Mom” is a poignant reminder of the rapid passage of time and the inevitability of change in parenting. Each stage brings its own challenges and joys, and while it can be heart-wrenching to let go, it also opens doors to new experiences.