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Parenting
The Ultimate Mom Experience
by Clara Jennings
Updated: Feb. 19, 2021
Originally Published: Aug. 21, 2011
“I’d choose you as my mom every time,” declares my 9-year-old.
“That’s incredibly sweet,” I respond, though a hint of skepticism lingers. “What makes you say that?”
“Because you’re the best mom ever,” she replies, then twirls out of the room.
Really? That can’t be right.
On certain days, I find myself doubting my capabilities as a mother, feeling more like a failure than an achiever. I don’t mean to compare myself to those who inflict harm on their children; that’s an entirely different realm. Instead, I grapple with my inadequacies in meeting the idealized standard of “practically perfect” as depicted by Mary Poppins.
I find myself hurrying the kids through breakfast, snapping at them because time is slipping away. I threaten to take away the toddler’s beloved toy if she doesn’t stop racing around the dinner table like a wild animal. I can’t help but roll my eyes when my sixth grader collapses in dramatic fashion after stubbing her toe. I struggle to remain patient when my middle child recounts the day’s events in elaborate detail for an eternity. I even fantasize about what life would be like without kids.
So please, don’t consider me for the title of “best mom.”
But still, choose me.
Select me because I’m unafraid of spiders, scaling mountains, or scraping my knees. I’m not deterred by the possibility of failure; what truly frightens me is not trying at all, especially when the desire is there but obstacles loom. Embracing challenges requires courage, confidence, and faith. I can teach you how to be brave, but it’s equally important to recognize when to seek help and understand your limits while pursuing your goals alongside others.
Pick me because I know how to cartwheel, skateboard, roller skate, and ice skate. I genuinely enjoy attending baseball games, not just for the snacks. Watching you play soccer and seeing that determined look on your face as you approach the goal brings me joy, even if the ball doesn’t find the net.
Choose me because I’ll always hold your hand during takeoff and landing. Transitioning from one place to another, regardless of the circumstances, can be daunting. A hand to hold makes all the difference in those moments.
Select me because I will always speak the truth to you. Not the harsh, unhelpful truths that only break your heart but rather the ones you need to hear, even when they’re painful or challenging to grasp. Truth can be like a drug: some require it constantly, while others shy away from it entirely. Discover your balance in both sharing and receiving it.
Choose me because I know just how you like to settle against my arm when it’s time to sleep. I can kiss you goodnight, even when you’re wearing your headgear, without pinching our lips. When I leave your room, I will always respond to your “night-night-see-you-in-the-morning-love-you” with my own heartfelt “night-night-see-you-in-the-morning-love-you.”
Pick me because I freshly prepare your lunches each morning rather than the night before. It’s my way of showing love.
Choose me because I believe in magic—whether it’s the Tooth Fairy, the small miracles like my peonies that bloom year after year, or the grand wonders of the universe. While algorithms can explain many things, the sheer existence of it all is a marvel in itself.
Select me because we are two peas in a pod. We share perfectionist tendencies, often fearing mistakes. We carry the weight of others’ emotions and question our contributions, even when we’ve done nothing wrong. We bubble with enthusiasm, innovative ideas, and can hardly contain them, letting them spill over like kittens eager for affection.
So yes, choose me, for no one understands you as well as I do, and no one loves you more. I am, without a doubt, the best mom in the world—so long as I am your mom.
For more insights into family planning, consider exploring resources on home insemination here. If you’re interested in the journey of couples navigating fertility, you can find valuable information here. Additionally, the CDC provides an excellent resource on infertility here.
In summary, being a mom is about navigating challenges, embracing imperfections, and fostering a loving environment where we can grow together.
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