I tried to resist it. I attempted to dodge it. I fought tooth and nail to escape its clutches, but it just kept pursuing me. Eventually, I had to relent. I surrendered. I accepted that I am indeed the quintessential mom.
Sure, every now and then, I’ll splurge on some trendy jeans that are supposedly “in” this season. Or I’ll snag a couple of those cute blouses that are all over social media. I’ll wear them for a week or two, but before long, they’ll find themselves shoved to the back of my dresser while my comfy tunic tops and leggings reclaim their spot on my mom bod. I try to be unique, to stay relevant, but at the end of the day, I’m just a worn-out mom, and comfort triumphs over style every time.
I make an effort to visit the hip coffee shops in my neighborhood — the ones with quirky decor and fancy drinks, where the ingredients are claimed to be harvested from fields tilled by unicorns and watered with the dreams of children. I appreciate their charm and individuality, but more than anything, I just want to stand in line with my fellow weary moms, order a grande vanilla latte from a well-known chain, and enjoy the familiarity of it. It tastes good, there are no surprises, no questions to answer, and zero judgment — just warm coffee on a chilly day.
Let’s face it: it takes real effort to break the mold of what a mom is supposed to be, and honestly, I don’t have the mental energy to swim against the tide. We cruise around in a minivan, I proudly wear UGG boots, and yes, I will defend fall as the best season of all time — and I have the perfect leggings for it!
At 33 years old, I’ve realized I simply don’t have the energy to try to be different. And honestly, why would I want to? Mom stereotypes exist because they capture the shared experiences, thoughts, and feelings of so many of us. Do we sometimes go days without showering because we’re just too exhausted? Absolutely. Are those comfy Lularoe leggings a hit among moms because we prioritize comfort, especially when most of our outfits are inevitably stained with toddler goo? You bet. Do we reach for a glass of wine every evening after battling our kids over homework for the umpteenth time? You know it.
I’ve come to terms with the fact that it’s perfectly okay to fit into that stereotype. It’s okay to be a caricature of what society believes moms should be. It’s okay to roll up to school drop-off with a messy bun, yoga pants, and a few stray French fries in the backseat. It’s totally fine if dry shampoo is your go-to beauty product, if your kids had mac and cheese for dinner again, or if you hit the gym just for the free childcare. And let’s be real, if your purse has more fruit snack wrappers than dollar bills, you’re in good company.
Even if you don’t see yourself as “different,” you’re still a strong, intelligent, beautiful woman raising capable and kind children. And that’s a mom stereotype worth celebrating. Keep going, Mama!
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