Ah, Mother’s Day is that one day when moms are supposed to smile, look thrilled to be a mom, and enjoy homemade cards, glitter, and breakfast that usually goes uneaten. It’s meant to be relaxing, isn’t it?
But here’s the thing: Mother’s Day is not always the sweet, Hallmark moment that people expect. Why? Because, honestly, moms can be snarky. They’ve earned it. They’ve spent 364 days of the year being everyone’s personal assistant, therapist, and chef—so one day of the year, they deserve a little attitude with the gratitude.
Honestly, when I first became a mom, I wasn’t exactly thrilled. My labor experience? Let’s just say it wasn’t exactly the “beautiful moment” society loves to paint. Violent labor, the kind that makes you seriously reconsider every life decision you’ve ever made, opens my memoir, The Practical Seductress. And the thought that followed was: “How did this happen?” But as any mom knows, no matter how snarky and over it you feel, by the end of it all, there’s motherlove. A love distinct from the romantic, platonic, desirous.
So, this Mother’s Day, I want moms to stop pretending that perfection is the goal. Guess what? You don’t need to be perfect. First, we all need to be real with ourselves.
The Snarky Reality of Motherhood (Spoiler: It’s Not All Sunshine and Roses)
Let’s talk about spring reinvention for a minute. We all like the idea of reinventing ourselves, right? But most days, we’re just trying to keep the laundry from turning into its own ecosystem. As moms, there’s always a struggle between wanting to be ourselves, the person we were before kids and juggling a dozen different roles. Honestly, it’s exhausting trying to keep up.
That’s why Mother’s Day should be about giving yourself a break. Take a break from always being “on,” from trying to be the “perfect mom,” and from hiding your snark. This is your day to be real, to laugh at the chaos, and to enjoy those moments when you look at your kids in a toyfilled clutter and think, “Okay, I love you, but how did this happen?”
So, Motherhood is not about perfection; It’s About Authenticity
As Mother’s Day approaches, I think it’s time for moms to stop trying to be perfect. You can be snarky, comical, imperfect, and real, and still be filled with love. You’re not defined by how well you create that perfect “Mother’s Day moment.” You’re defined by how you accept who you are, and embrace your kids with all the messiness and love that comes with it.
And if nothing else works, do something a little rebellious for yourself this year. Sometimes the most empowering thing is to embrace your own freedom and microdose a gummy. Or two.
Happy Mother’s Day!