15 Tasks That Only Moms Seem to Master

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Updated: Jan. 22, 2021
Originally Published: June 6, 2015

Parenthood is a wild ride, and few can escape the infamous three P’s: Poop, Pee, and Puke. We’ve all been there—scrubbing the couch after a diaper disaster or dodging the unexpected projectile snot from a sick little one. These experiences are just part of the parenting gig. However, what many don’t realize is that there exists a unique set of chores that appear to be solely the domain of mothers.

Here’s a glimpse into my exceptional “Mom Skills”:

1. Inspecting Pockets Before Laundry: If I skip this step, I suddenly become the villain when someone’s favorite Chapstick transforms our laundry into a strawberry-scented mess.
2. Putting Clothes in the Laundry Basket: My family excels at leaving their clothes just outside the basket, as if it’s a complex challenge to actually place them inside.
3. Removing Underwear Before Pants: This skill is clearly too advanced for my kids; hence, we will be offering a summer session on the proper sequence of clothing removal.
4. Managing the Dishwasher: Loading and unloading the dishwasher seems to baffle everyone else. Thank goodness I’m here to ensure cups go on top and plates on the bottom.
5. Clearing the Table: After I’ve cooked a meal, it’s apparently too strenuous for my family to put their dishes in the sink or the dishwasher.
6. Picking Up Tissues: I’m the designated tissue collector, tasked with clearing the random tissues left by my sick child and the mountain of used Puffs on the end table.
7. Replacing Shower Soap: With the shower just a few feet from the linen closet, it’s a mystery why no one else can manage this simple task. Apparently, shampoo works just fine as a substitute.
8. Collecting Outdoor Toys: It seems my kids are too exhausted from playing to bring their toys back inside, leaving it all to me.
9. Gathering Half-Full Water Bottles: Finding the right recycling bin for those abandoned bottles is a 50/50 chance that my family just isn’t willing to take.
10. Hanging Up Coats and Bags: The hooks are just a few steps away, yet my family prefers to drop their items right inside the door.
11. Replacing Toilet Paper on the Roll: I’ll be hosting a summer workshop on this critical life skill, which seems to be met with much resistance.
12. Flushing the Toilet: This task appears to be as confounding as understanding quantum physics for my kids. We’ll devote July to mastering the art of the flush.
13. Cleaning Up After Tooth Brushing: I should celebrate that they brushed their teeth, but I also expect them to clean the sink afterward.
14. Checking the Weather: My children find it impossible to check the weather on their devices; instead, they prefer yelling down the stairs for a daily forecast.
15. Finding Items Right in Front of Them: “Mom! Where are my shoes?” The answer is always, “Right in the cubby in front of you.”

And my ultimate superpower? Turning off the countless lights they leave on from their bedrooms to the garage every single day!

This article was originally published on June 6, 2015. If you’re interested in more parenting insights, check out this post on home insemination options. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, the CDC offers an excellent resource.

In summary, motherhood involves a unique set of tasks that seem to be mine alone. From laundry inspections to light management, the responsibilities of a mom can often feel overwhelming—but they’re all part of the journey.