I fought hard against it. I tried to dodge it and escape its clutches, but no matter how much I resisted, it kept coming for me. Eventually, I had to accept it—I am the quintessential mom.
Every so often, I’ll splurge on a trendy pair of jeans or a stylish blouse I spotted on social media. I wear them for a bit, but soon enough, they find a permanent home at the back of my closet, while my trusty tunics and leggings reclaim their position in my daily attire. I aim to be unique and stylish, but when it comes down to it, I’m just a weary mom who values comfort over the latest fashion trends.
I make an effort to explore new coffee shops in my area—the ones with quirky decor and fancy artisanal drinks, where the ingredients are supposedly sourced from magical lands. While I appreciate their creativity, what I really crave is the familiarity of standing in line with other exhausted parents, ordering a grande vanilla latte from a well-known chain. It’s predictable, comforting, and just what I need on a chilly day.
Standing out as a mom requires a lot of time and mental energy, and honestly, I just don’t have that to spare. We drive a minivan, I wear my UGG boots with pride, and yes, I will defend my love for fall with every ounce of passion I possess. As that viral meme suggests, I will prevail because I can move freely in my beloved leggings.
At 33 years old, I’ve come to terms with the fact that trying to be different isn’t for me—and maybe I don’t even want to be. The stereotypes about mothers exist because they resonate with so many of us. Do we sometimes go days without showering because we’re too exhausted? Absolutely. Are those comfy Lularoe leggings popular because we prioritize comfort over style, given that our clothes are often covered in some form of mess? You bet. And yes, do we indulge in a glass of wine each night after a long day of homework battles? You know it.
I’ve learned that it’s perfectly fine to be a stereotype. It’s okay to be a reflection of what society thinks mothers are. It’s all right to pull up to school drop-off in yoga pants with a messy bun, and maybe some fries spilling from the back seat when your child hops in. It’s okay if dry shampoo is your go-to beauty product. It’s okay if your kids had mac and cheese for dinner again, or if you hit the gym just for the free childcare. And absolutely, it’s fine if your purse has more fruit snack wrappers than actual cash.
Even if you don’t stand out in a crowd, you are still a strong, intelligent, and beautiful woman raising kind and capable children. That’s a mom stereotype you should wear with pride. So keep going, Mama!
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