Hey there, Super Mom!
I’ve seen you in action. I’ve noticed those moments when you’re juggling your kids while trying not to lose your cool in public, or when you’re blissfully ignoring them at the park. I’ve spotted you at preschool drop-off, still in yesterday’s pajamas and maybe a bit unkempt. I’ve observed you negotiating with your little ones like a pro—bribing, threatening, or even bargaining over dessert. And let’s not forget those lively debates with your partner, your own mom, or even that bewildered police officer trying to help at the crosswalk.
I’ve watched you sprinting after your kids, getting muddy, maybe letting out a little curse when you stub your toe. I’ve seen you sharing a milkshake with a hyperactive four-year-old, or using your palm as a tissue for your kid’s runny nose before smearing it onto your jeans. And yes, I’ve witnessed you expertly carry your toddler with one arm while chasing down a rogue ball.
But there’s more. I’ve seen you grit your teeth as your child howls about practicing the piano or soccer, and I’ve noticed those deep breaths you take after discovering milk spilled in your trunk. I’ve seen you cry in the kitchen while scrubbing crayon marks off your favorite purse and pacing anxiously in front of the house.
I’ve spotted you in the hospital waiting room and at the pharmacy, looking weary and a bit scared. Truth is, I’ve seen so much of you—it’s like you’re part of my daily routine.
I’m not sure whether you always dreamed of being a mom or if it was a surprise twist in your life story. I don’t know if your journey has lived up to your fantasies of motherhood or if you’ve spent those early days feeling lost, wondering if you’d ever experience the “motherly love” you envisioned. I don’t know if you faced challenges like infertility, loss, or a difficult delivery. I can’t say whether you welcomed your child into the world or into your family.
But I do know this: you didn’t get everything you expected. You’ve gained so much more than you could’ve imagined, even if you don’t recognize it yet. I know you doubt your abilities, always thinking you could do better, but believe me when I say you’re doing better than you think.
When you look at your children, you see pieces of yourself. Yet, sometimes, you feel like a stranger to them, wondering why the little things that mattered to you in your childhood don’t resonate with them. I know there are times you want to throw a lamp at your teenager—or at least consider it when they roll their eyes.
And let’s be real: some nights, once the house is quiet, you curl up with your thoughts and cry, while other nights, you push through the exhaustion and the weight of unmet expectations. There are days when all you can think about is wishing for bedtime to arrive, yet when it does, those sweet hugs and kisses remind you why you endure the chaos.
Each day, new challenges emerge—fevers, heartaches, art projects, new friendships, and, of course, the inevitable sibling squabbles. But through it all, you handle what needs to be done. You manage work, prepare meals, or even dive into the garden while strapping that baby to your back and vacuuming at the same time.
You drop everything to settle disputes over markers, kiss away boo-boos, or engage in deep conversations about what color lipstick Pinocchio’s mother wears. You have tickle fights in blanket forts and know the words to at least eight picture books by heart. I’ve seen you dance like nobody’s watching when it’s just you and them, and I know you’ve composed silly songs about peas and potatoes.
I know you didn’t expect most of this. You didn’t foresee such intense love or the way your body would change, or how utterly exhausted you’d feel. You thought you had it all figured out—or maybe you were just terrified. You hired the ideal nanny or chose to leave your job to assemble baby furniture. Sometimes, it’s hard to reconcile the freedom you had before kids with the choices you’ve made since.
Let’s face it: you’re not a perfect mom. No one is, no matter how hard they try. And while that might haunt you, perhaps you’ve made peace with it—or maybe it never bothered you at all. Regardless of how much you do or don’t do, at the end of the day, your kids feel loved. They see you as their superhero, believing you can fix almost anything. And no matter what chaos ensues, you do everything possible to ensure they wake up happy, healthy, and full of wisdom.
There’s an old saying: “There is one perfect child in the world, and every mother has that child.” Sadly, though, no perfect parents exist. Your kids will likely grow up vowing to do things differently than you did—whether that means avoiding piano lessons or having fewer kids.
But let me remind you: you’re better than you realize. Someday, as your kids run around like little tornadoes, someone will compliment your beautiful family. You’ll be at the park with your muddy little ones, and a soon-to-be mom will glance at you with a mix of admiration and envy.
No matter the doubts that creep in, remember this one undeniable truth: you’re definitely not perfect—and that’s perfectly okay. Your child isn’t perfect either, which means you’re the best fit for them, equipped with your unique understanding and experiences. No one knows their quirks, their laughter, or their tears like you do.
So, here’s to you, the Best Mom in the World. Imperfect, yes, but doing the best you can.
With love,
Your Fellow Mom
P.S. If you’re interested in more insights on parenting, check out this post about home insemination at Intracervical Insemination. And for essential resources on pregnancy, take a look at Womens Health and if you’re exploring options, Make a Mom has some great information too!
Summary:
This heartfelt letter to mothers acknowledges the challenges and imperfections of parenting, emphasizing that while moms may doubt their abilities, they are doing better than they realize. It encourages them to embrace their unique journey and the love they provide to their children, reminding them that perfection is not the goal.