I hate mom stereotypes. The expectations of them drive me crazy. On Tuesday, I might be a crunchy mom who feeds her kids organic cheddar squares from a reusable sandwich bag on the bench in front of the library. By the time we get to Friday, there’s a good chance that two or three of my offspring will be wearing the same outfit they went to their dad’s in on Thursday (they’ll change before he picks them up if it’s his weekend). They’ll likely be having a picnic in the front yard with extra cheddar blasted goldfish and grapes I salvaged from a bag being overtaken by mold, because I’ve managed to convince them that the park is closed. Mommy is tired on Friday, no TGIF buzz over here.
I work outside the home extremely part-time, as in, for a few hours on Friday nights. Basically, I’m a stay-at-home homeschooling mom. People automatically equate that with expert level domestic skills. HA HA HA HA! That is NOT me. The only meals I don’t despise enjoy cooking are made in the crockpot, oven, microwave, or a single pot. Would you believe that I was among the first wave of people using Pinterest? I’m proud to say that I have multiple thriving Pinterest boards, and very few Pinterest fails…or attempts. Crafting is also not my thing. I have provided my artsy and/or messy children with plenty of art supplies and a small space in the basement that I only look at when I’m passing through to the laundry room, so don’t worry about their home education lacking creativity.
Most of the judgment surrounding mom stereotypes is passive aggressive, and takes place on social media. Maybe these people have read enough parenting books that they’re convinced that they have license to police the rest of us? All I know, is that I’m not going to feel guilty for taking my kids to the park so that I can take a break. That’s right, I pack up my four little people and head to the nearest public park fully hoping that I won’t have to play with them. My role at the park consists of making sure no one with my last name gets abducted, being watchful that no one at the park engages in anything even remotely close to bullying (I refuse to raise assholes and I’m not afraid to show my kids that we all have to stand up for what’s right), taking IG worthy pics of my beautiful offspring enjoying the outdoors, and socializing with other moms if I’m feeling up to it. Think of how much time homeschooled kiddos spend with their siblings…they love a change of scenery and new playmates! And hey, sometimes they’re even resourceful enough to find a “more involved” mom to push them on the swings.
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