Summer is finally upon us, and with it comes the joy of splashing around at local pools. As I soak up the sun in Boulder, I can’t help but observe the delightful array of moms managing their little whirlwinds. Here’s a rundown of the different types of moms you might spot poolside:
- The Regulars: These moms claim the pool as their territory. They arrive in coordinated packs, setting up their matching chairs and colorful snack spreads in prime sunny or shady spots. If you’re a newbie, be prepared for some curious stares as they assess whether you’re worthy of their exclusive hangout.
- The Nannies (or “Au Pairs” if we’re being fancy): Often sporting a look of exhaustion, these caregivers can be seen juggling the demands of the kiddos in their charge. I overheard one mentioning she has a “script” to keep the kids in check. But as her little one attempted to turn the slide into a wrestling match, it was clear her heart wasn’t in it.
- The Fun Mom: This mom sets the bar high (and makes the rest of us feel inadequate). She’s the one who tickles her child at the top of the slide, encourages back rides—even when it looks like her kid is about to drown her—and shows up with swim noodles! Her kids seem to strut around like they’ve just won the lottery of life.
- The Phone Moms: Some moms can’t seem to disconnect, spending their entire time glued to their phones. Meanwhile, their children are pilfering snacks, using other kids as floating devices, and causing chaos while their mom remains blissfully unaware.
- The Overwhelmed Mom with a New Baby and a Toddler: Juggling a newborn and a wild toddler? That’s quite the task! With a baby napping beside her and a toddler causing a ruckus, she’s just hanging on by a thread. Occasionally, she dozes off in the shallow end, only to be jolted awake by a rogue swim noodle.
- The Perfect Mom: Almost as daunting as the Fun Mom, the Perfect Mom somehow manages to look flawless while her kids are impeccably groomed. She’s the one you envy, thinking, “How does she always look so good?” Meanwhile, you’re just trying to keep your kids from drowning in the pool.
- The Mom in Search of a Friend: You can spot her trying to make connections. “How old is your little one?” she asks, eager to bond over shared parenting struggles. Kids are compared, and awkward laughter ensues as they both lament their kids’ slow car-loading skills. You might even exchange numbers while trying to prevent your kids from launching themselves into the deep end.
- The Hippie Mom: You’ll recognize her by her homemade vegan snacks and kids with names like “Sunshine” and “Peaceful Spirit.” She seems unfazed by the chaos around her, embodying a zen-like calm even as her children tumble over one another. And don’t be surprised if her little one asks for a sip from the breast while lounging by the pool.
- The Cool Grandma: It’s hard to tell if she’s a mom or grandma, especially in Boulder where many women have children later in life. She’s often the life of the pool party, celebrating with high fives and yummy snacks. Let’s be honest, watching her interact with the kids makes us all a little jealous.
- The Discipline Mom: With a firm set of rules, she insists on perfect behavior from her kids. No pushing, no loud splashes, and definitely no nose-blowing in the pool! While I admire her dedication, I sometimes think, “Can’t we let the kids just be kids?”
I’ve found myself embodying each of these mom types at various times, depending on the day and how much sleep I’ve managed to snag. Well, all except for the Perfect Mom—she’s a mystery wrapped in a flowy cover-up.
So, as you dive into summer and splash around at the pool, keep an eye out for these delightful mom types. And if you’re looking for more parenting insights, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination. For those interested in home insemination, you can find more information by visiting this helpful blog post. And if you want to explore artificial insemination kits, take a look at Cryobaby.
Summary
Whether you’re spotting the Regulars or the Fun Moms, the summer pool scene is a vibrant tapestry of parenting styles. Each type brings its own charm and chaos, making it a unique experience every time you visit.