Updated: Dec. 27, 2015
Originally Published: July 4, 2010
As a proud mom of two little girls, it seems like the universe has decided I’m destined to be a “girl mom” forever. I know plenty of “boy moms” out there—those who are the only females in their households and plan to keep it that way.
These boy moms often tell me how fortunate I am. With my two sweet daughters, who are adorable and full of sugar, spice, and everything nice, they express their envy. But then, just as quickly, they sympathize with the impending “drama queen” moments they predict I’ll face during the teenage years. Sometimes, their condescending tone drives me up the wall.
So, let’s set the record straight, shall we?
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“My boys are so wild and crazy; I’m exhausted keeping up with them. You’re so lucky to have little girls!”
Girl mom reality: My younger daughter is a whirlwind of energy—running, climbing, and exploring everything in sight. She can scale anything that looks remotely climbable and takes off at the slightest chance. She tackles her big sister with gusto and can escape from any harness or gate. Trust me, she keeps me on my toes! Missing a Y chromosome? Not a slow-down factor for her!
My older daughter? Let’s just say she’s been affectionately dubbed “aggressively loving.” That means she plays rough—earning more than one tear from a little boy when she tackles him with an enthusiastic hug. -
“Boys are so messy! You’re lucky to have girls!”
Girl mom reality: My little one has turned her own poop into finger paint… more than once. She’s hosted tea parties using water she drinks from her straw cup, only to spit it back into her tea set. And let’s not even start on how much time she spends with her hand down her diaper. Messy? Not just a boy thing! -
“Girl clothes are the cutest! Even when they dress themselves, they’re adorable! You’re so lucky!”
Girl mom reality: My girls are often stuck wearing short-sleeved holiday dresses in the middle of winter. I’d welcome a cozy sweater vest any day! Plus, let’s not forget that you don’t see little boys being encouraged to wear jeggings and booty shorts either. Everyone has their fashion struggles! -
“Trains everywhere! Hot Wheel tracks are impossible to keep together, and I have to put them together all the time! You’re so lucky to have little girls!”
Girl mom reality: Sure, we may not have train tracks everywhere, but we have princesses and doll clothes. And my nearly three-year-old is still figuring out how to manipulate those doll outfits. Oh, and by the way, my girls are just as fascinated with cars and trains as any little boy! -
“Oh, but I don’t envy you when those girls become teenagers! I’m so lucky to have boys!”
Girl mom reality: I’ve heard plenty of stories about my husband’s teenage escapades. Sure, I might face some drama and tears, but I’m betting my girls won’t be the ones getting escorted home for flipping off a cop or attempting to car surf. Was it really a teenage girl who just crashed our mailbox while joyriding? I think not!
When you’re in the thick of parenting, it’s easy to think the grass is greener—or cuter—on the other side. Just because my girls wear cute ribbons doesn’t mean I don’t have a mud ring around my bathtub. Every parenting journey is filled with unique challenges. Let’s just agree that our kids will always surprise us and save the boy/girl comparisons for the teenage years. I’ll just be over here, hiding under the bed!
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Summary:
Being a girl mom comes with its unique challenges and surprises, from energetic little explorers to messy moments that rival any boy’s antics. While boy moms may express envy, every parenting journey has its ups and downs, and every child, regardless of gender, brings their own set of joys and trials.