Once upon a time, I was a hesitant new mom, anxious about how my parenting would be perceived by others. I envisioned myself as the laid-back mother with well-behaved children (what a joke!), convinced that the tales of grocery store meltdowns or park mishaps wouldn’t apply to us. I thought it was just not in our DNA.
However, motherhood had a different journey in store for me, and I’ve long since stopped worrying about others’ opinions. Now, I’m that unapologetic, protective mom who isn’t afraid to voice my concerns in any setting, and honestly, I couldn’t care less about what anyone thinks.
Take this past weekend, for instance. My kids were invited to a birthday party at an indoor pool. Winter in Maine can be a drag, but the thought of splashing around with foam noodles sent my kids into a frenzy of excitement. Before we even arrived at the pool, I laid down the rules in the car: “Alright, kids, while we’re there, no running, no throwing, and stay close to the other kids in the party, okay?” I got four eye rolls and two nodding heads in return. They’re used to my pre-party pep talks.
An hour into the party, my booming “mom voice” cut through the noise of laughter from the 50 other kids in the pool as I clapped my hands. I called my kids by their full names to grab their attention. “If I see you dunking each other in the pool again, we’re leaving, understood?” I noticed a few judging glances from other parents, but here’s the thing: I’m responsible for those two little lives in that pool, and I will do everything I can to keep them safe—even if it means being the ‘mean mom’ from time to time.
When my eldest, Max, comes home from school upset because older kids were teasing younger ones, you can bet I’m the mom who contacts the bus company to address the issue. I refuse to let my child be paralyzed with fear because of a bully getting a kick out of picking on the littler ones.
My children aren’t allowed to play with toy guns that look realistic, and I limit their access to junk food. They have to ask before grabbing any snacks aside from what’s in the fruit bowl. They haven’t been inundated with toy commercials because they only watch educational shows on PBS. It’s my job to filter through the noise and provide them with what I believe is appropriate.
I don’t enforce these rules to be a strict parent; I do it because I love them and want to ensure they have a safe, enriching childhood that will help them grow into kind, responsible individuals. So, when I hear about a kid at school throwing a punch at my child—even if that child is a friend, and it’s labeled as “just rough-housing”—you can bet that teachers and other parents will hear from me in no time.
When my kids are sick, they stay home. Any sign of fever, vomiting, or fatigue that doesn’t seem like just a ploy to avoid school means my child is nestled on the couch with a cozy blanket.
I admire moms who embrace the mantra “I’m not your friend. I’m your mother.” I resonate with that sentiment. My children are young for such a brief period, and it’s my responsibility to keep them safe, offer them opportunities to learn and thrive, and be their guide while they navigate their formative years.
I’m a protective mother because, like any parent, my love for my kids drives me to keep them as safe as possible during their childhood. My priority isn’t to befriend other parents or gain popularity with my kids; my role is to be the Capital “M” Mom.
For more insights on parenting and related topics, check out this blog post. If you’re considering at-home insemination, I recommend visiting this reputable retailer for all your needs. Additionally, for those seeking information on fertility and insurance, this is an excellent resource.
Summary
This piece discusses the author’s unapologetic stance as a protective mom, sharing personal anecdotes about parenting rules and the lengths she goes to ensure her children’s safety and well-being. The narrative emphasizes the importance of being a responsible parent rather than seeking approval from others, highlighting the balance between guidance and freedom in childhood.