Why did I do this again? We’re all guilty of it. And I do mean guilty. We all have those days where we feel like TERRIBLE sub-humans, unworthy of the title “woman.” Why? Because we just can’t take these kids and everything they bring with them for one minute more. It’s only natural. Motherhood is the biggest job in the history of, well, history. There will always be days when we just don’t feel up to the task. Those are the days when it can help to remember our moms’ advice to “count your blessings” (by the way, don’t you just hate it when your mom is right?). To help get you get started, here are twelve reasons to love being a mom…
1. No matter what happens, just the fact that you did it makes you a rock star.
Whether it was a rough conception or pregnancy process, a difficult delivery or treacherous journey through adoption or step-parenthood, the very initiation into motherhood would break the spirit of any macho action hero like a dry twig. So however you did it, be proud and hold your head up. You are a rock star.
2. Taking care of others helps you take care of yourself, most of the time.
We all want the best for our kids. So we stay up late reading about the importance of nutrition and exercise so we can encourage them to build healthy habits now. It doesn’t take long to realize that the only way kids really learn is by example. If you are sedentary and “opting out” of an active life, chances are your kids will, too. Are you taking care of yourself as well as you’d like your kids to take care of themselves? We hope so!
3. Laughter is the best medicine.
Having kids is tough, but come on, it’s also fun. Take a cue from your kids and find something to laugh at every day—even if it’s yourself.
4. Sometimes you get to feel like a superhero.
Let’s face it, sometimes it’s nice to be needed. It’s hard not to feel like you have superpowers when just a kiss from you can magically heal a scraped knee or bruised feelings. Never fear, Supermom is here!
5. You get to play.
Once we become adults, few of us get to truly play anymore. We’re not talking about video games, we’re talking honest to goodness “tag-you’re-it” kind of play. Studies have shown that adults who take time out to play are more productive, healthier and less stressed than those who don’t.
Read Related: It’s Okay to be a Good Enough Mother
6.You get to sing (and you get people who think you’re good at it).
Many of us sing in the shower, or in the privacy of our cars, but would never dream of singing out loud for another human being! Something about having kids lowers that inhibition and soon we discover the joy of sharing music and having silly time together. Have you ever heard a child complain about their mom’s singing? We didn’t think so.
7. You get to enjoy all the best parts of your childhood again.
Watching your kids grow, you can’t help but remember how you handled different challenges and stages when you were a kid. Being able to reflect on your childhood through your kids’ eyes can give you an appreciation for how far you’ve come, and how truly capable you are.
MOTHERHOOD—THE EMERALD CITY?
In some ways, motherhood is like The Wizard of Oz. We are all looking for what we think we need, only to find it in within ourselves.
8. You find your heart.
Many of us think we know what we’re truly passionate about and that we know where our hearts truly lie. But when you become a mother you discover that your heart actually exists outside of your body—and is running around your house in sneakers.
9. You find your brain (then lose it, then find it again).
When you’re a mom, you have to keep track of so many things! Diapers, school, shots, friends—not to mention career and household stuff. And then there’s all the questions! “Mom, what’s a chemical?” “What’s the difference between a blossom and a bud?” “Why?” WHY?!” Motherhood should come with an honorary doctorate.
10. You find your courage.
We’ve all heard those stories about a mom suddenly being able to lift a car or fallen tree to save their child. Once you become a mom, though, you understand that lifting a Le Car is easy-peasy compared to watching your child struggle with an illness or a broken heart.
11. You find your home.
Sure everyone says, “Home is where the heart is.” When your heart is your kids, well, you know that home can be an airport or a park or a front row seat at the school play. Wherever your kids are home, there’s no place like it.
12. No matter how small your kids are, everything else is smaller.
One of the greatest benefits of having kids is their uncanny ability to put everything else in the world into perspective. We all get sucked into the drama of everyday life and the 24-hour news cycle, but something about getting a phone call from your kids, or their tiny hand slipping into yours, can magically make you realize what’s truly important.
We hope some of the things on this list help you feel better the next time motherhood seems overwhelming. Don’t forget—you are a rock star!
What are some of the reasons YOU love being a mom? We’d love to know!
