If you were to spot me at the supermarket with my little one, you might raise an eyebrow or let out an exasperated sigh. You might grow impatient as my cart sits parked in the middle of the aisle while I dig through my oversized bag for the stash of gummies I brought along, knowing full well it’s the only thing standing between us and a full-blown meltdown. This moment—the one where my son is begging to be held while I negotiate with candy to keep him content—is all too familiar.
Yes, I’m that mom, and I’m unapologetic about it.
I’m the mom who resorts to bribing, pleading, and bargaining when it’s necessary. I’m the mom who allows cookies and sweets before dinner to avoid a scene. I’m the mom who hands a butter knife to my 2-year-old at a restaurant just so I can finally enjoy the meal I paid for. I’m also the mom who sometimes opts for heat in the car over a tantrum about wearing socks, prioritizing my son’s comfort over my rules.
In those moments, I find myself at my wit’s end, willing to do whatever it takes to make it through the store, a meal, a church service, or simply to reach bedtime. Ironically, I never expected to embody this role. When I was pregnant, I would watch other mothers pleading with their children to behave and think to myself, “That will never be me.” I was determined to be the strict mom, the one who wouldn’t negotiate. I envisioned a world where my child would sit quietly without fussing, where discipline reigned supreme.
Little did I know that the tiny person growing inside me would challenge all my assumptions about motherhood. I didn’t realize he’d inherit my stubbornness and often want to call the shots. I had no idea how his tears would tug at my heartstrings or how far I’d go to prevent them from falling. My son turned my expectations upside down and revealed that the mom he needs is, in fact, that mom.
That mom who understands her child’s needs and is willing to bend the rules because a child’s joy is truly invaluable. That mom who recognizes when fatigue leads to a tantrum and opts for a comforting hug instead of a scolding. That mom who chooses laughter over frustration and embraces silliness instead of shouting.
You might think I’m a bit eccentric as I dance in the rain with my son to keep his spirits up. I’m that mom who scoops him up like a football—he calls it “hotball”—and races to the finish line instead of insisting he walks like a big boy. I now realize that candy isn’t the villain I once thought it was—it’s more like a lifesaver—and that making compromises doesn’t signify weakness.
Being that mom doesn’t equate to taking the easy way out. It means I’m ready to set aside my preconceived notions about motherhood to become the mom my son needs. So if you want to roll your eyes, whisper to your partner about my methods, or gasp at the sight of my toddler playing with a butter knife or screwdriver, go ahead. I apologize for the wait, but I won’t apologize for being “that mom” you swore you’d never become.
Perhaps you’ll maintain your stance and never find yourself in my shoes. Maybe you’ll handle things differently, allowing your child to cry it out while you remain steadfast. Perhaps you’ll embody the mother I always aspired to be, the one I believed I could be. Your child may not require you to adopt my approach.
But my son does need me to be that mom, and I have no regrets about it. Should you ever find yourself in the position of becoming the mom you thought you’d never be, remember that prioritizing your child’s needs over your wants is something all mothers excel at, and it’s nothing to feel sorry for.
For more resources and support on your journey, consider exploring the journey through home insemination at Make a Mom or check out Cryobaby for their expertise on the subject. If you’re looking for excellent information regarding pregnancy and home insemination, Hopkins Medicine is a fantastic resource.
In summary, embracing the role of “that mom” can often mean letting go of rigid expectations and embracing a flexible approach to parenting. The journey is filled with challenges, but recognizing the unique needs of your child can make all the difference.
Keyphrase: Being That Mom
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