Being a mom is a tough job.
Not a single human with any kind of sense would debate that fact with a mother, because if there’s one thing that gets moms going, it’s when others attempt to downplay our countless, meaningful, selfless contributions to society (hello, without moms there would be no society, at least not one worth living in!).
Moms get that.
Even as the whole working mom vs. stay at home mom but still totally working all day everyday just not in a profession that allows for monetary compensation don’t get it twisted I will school you debate rages on, all moms share certain challenges and experiences on which we can all relate.
As someone who has called herself a full time traditional workforce mom, a part-time traditional work force mom, a stay at home mom, a work at home mom, and even, although it sounds weird and way more glamorous than it is when I say it, an entrepreneur mom I can relate more than many to the unique struggles moms face as they attempt to find balance.
No matter where I work, one thing never changes and that’s the fact that I spend every single life day pushed to my limits emotionally, physically, and mentally in my quest to be a bad mamajama the best mother I can to these awesome kids (and for the sake of society, let’s not forget that being a good mother is also a gift to society).
Thankfully, there are so many things that make living a life on the bring of insanity worth it: their smiling faces when I surprise them at the soccer game I told them I’d miss because of work, the shy hug I got when I handed him the AE sweater I saw him eyeing in the window at the mall (even though he didn’t ask for it, because FORTY DOLLARS?!), the super-long-sentence-Dude-3-spews-at-me-every-day-the-moment-the-bus-door-opens-because-he-wants-me-to-know-ALLL-of-the-things, when Dude 2 holds my hand at the movie (even though, yeah, he’s WAY too big for that), the thank you notes Dude 3 leaves on my pillow featuring a picture of, my wiggly belly, and the striped socks I love, and cookies, always with the chocolate chip cookies.
I can’t give other moms these moments (and I refuse to part with chocolate chip cookies; the idea that I have enough to share is actually ludicrous), but there are times that I want to high-five another hardworking, super mom just to let her know I see her awesome.
Here’s how I do that.
5 Easy Ways to Show a Mom You Think She’s Super (when she isn’t actually YOUR mom)
1. Tell her that her kids are great. There are few things that make me prouder than when we are at a restaurant and a little old lady rolls up and says, “I just have to say that your handsome boys are SUCH gentlemen. So well behaved and a joy to watch.” I want to jump up and slide tackle hug that lady, and only her weak hips are stopping me.
2. Take a photo of her with her kids and send it to her. Not a creepy one where she’s wearing her hubby’s wife beater and making that oh-no-he-didn’t face, one where she’s looking like a mom without even trying.
3. Cookies. All of the cookies.
4. Volunteer to kid sit. And don’t say you want a trade. Just a free and clear day where you take her kids and entertain them because she totally deserves it and has normal kids that won’t kick your shins or spit in your diet Coke while you’re driving (seriously, it happens).
5. Write her a letter. Or send her a card. Pony Express style. I always get all ugly-cry-ish when someone (pretty much only my own mother) takes the time to send me a greeting card. It shows true appreciation and care that you went through the trouble to buy a card, and write it out, and then got a stamp (how much do those cost nowadays anyway?!), and put it in the mail for me when you totally coulda just texted me, or sent me a message on Facebook. Oh the effort, it’s what counts!
My homies at Hallmark have an awesome line of super hero cards that are perfect to send to a mom you love for some random, just-thinking-of-you encouragement.
Some of them even come with cool fridge magnets that they can put up to remind them that they’re appreciated on the days when they’re not really feeling it from their offspring.
And, if you’re a wannabe Hallmark card writer like yours truly, you can personalize them with a heartfelt message (or use mine if you wish, I’m cool with that). Something like…
You can’t spell super hero without mom. Okay, you can but then you’d just have a dude in tights and there’s not much super about that.
Or…
Every mom is super… Super busy, super tired, super upset over the whole Eva Mendes-Ryan Gosling thing. Because Ryan. Gosling.
Or even,
She may not go to infinity and beyond, but she gets you to soccer practice mostly clean, basically on time, almost everyday, and sometimes that is just as amazing.
Take a moment to fist bump a super mom in your life, she’ll be so glad you did!
Disclosure: I am a part of Hallmark’s Life is a Special Occasion blogger program meaning that I am compensated to write posts and may receive complimentary Hallmark products, some of which will be featured here.
I love this! One is my favorite. In fact, I have a post written on just that subject alone..I just haven’t published it.
And, I think Hallmark should totally have you write a card or two!
Love this. Its so true too..when we are in a public place and i get complemented on my three year olds behavior it definitely makes me feel like I’ve done something right. You know, right enough for to be polite in public though not always right enough that she is polite at home
A friend sent me a card a couple of weeks ago, and I have to say that you are 100% right. It made me feel super special and awesome. I need to do more of making people feel that way.
I absolutely adore this. It means so much when someone, unprompted, recognizes what you do. I love that the cards aren’t syrupy, but cute and quirkyily written.
geat ways to make moms feel special!!!
These cards look adorable! I love it when strangers ask me if they can take my photo with my kids. It’s so rare to be in a photo with them.
Your card is in the mail.