i am that mom

I am that mom who yells at her kids sometimes. Who expects too much of them. Then feels guilty for it. I am that mom who is a card-caring member of the “Mommy Guilt Club”.

I am that mom who is just trying to do my best…without the aid of prescription medications, or a martini (or two). I am that mom that feels stressed, anxious and happy all at the same time.

I am that mom that would step in front of a speeding car to save her kids. I am a fiercely protective mother. Don’t even think about bullying my kid.

I am that mom that blows off homework some nights because life is too short to stress over teaching the difference between an adverb and an adjective. I am that mom that lets her kid use a calculator sometimes. Because long division is hard.

I am that mom that sometimes “phones it in” when it comes to healthy dinners. Chicken nuggets and mac ‘n cheese are okay to feed your kids…just don’t do it every night of the week.

I am that mom that desperately wants a day to herself – with no kids – but then can’t wait to see them again.

I am that mom that has taken her daughter’s bedroom door off the hinges because she slammed it out of anger. I believe in punishment, fair and consistent. Life is full of consequences. It starts at home. There is no “get out of jail free card” in life.

I am that mom that prays over her sleeping kids at night. I am that mom that asks God for parenting guidance…and, most of all, patience. I am that mom that instills faith in God in my children. I am that mom that will check the doors to be sure they are locked twice before going to bed. I may have OCD.

I am that mom that also has a membership to the “Mean Mom Club” in her wallet. I say “No” to my kids. Often. Some days I feel I should say “Yes” more. And I feel guilty about that too. Usually I don’t.

I am that mom that thinks kids should have time to be kids. That they shouldn’t be over-scheduled with sporting events, over-the-top birthday parties and play dates. I believe they should stay in their pj’s on a Saturday morning and watch cartoons til noon every once in a while.  I am that mom that will say “No” so that I am not over-scheduled and over-whelmed. No is not a bad word.

I am that mom that sometimes lets her kids eat too much candy and watch too much TV…and I don’t feel guilty about it, most days anyway.

I am that mom that has put off going to the dentist because I needed to pay for coaching lessons for the future ice skater in the house. And I don’t feel guilty about it.

I am that mom that insists on good table manners, being respectful of others, no hitting, and sharing. I am that mom that will correct other people’s kids if they are in my house. Other Moms may not agree with that. My house, my rules.

I am that mom that has caught her child’s puke in her hand, more times than I can remember. And it didn’t even phase me. Bring it on!

I am that mom that has let the kids paint on the nice kitchen table because they are finally not fighting with each other. I didn’t say I don’t stress over the mess. I am just saying THEY ARE NOT FIGHTING. Peace and quiet doesn’t come free. And paint cleans up with water. I hope.

I am that mom that wants my kids to be happy, productive and successful without sacrificing myself along the way.

Yes, I am A MOM, but I am also a woman, a wife, an artist, a photographer, a friend. Don’t forget that.