Wednesday, June 17, 2015

What Do Real Moms Do?

Do you ever feel like an imposter? Someone posing as a wise parent who knows exactly what they're doing?

Me, too. In fact, I often think there should be a little asterisk below me reading *I'm not the grown-up in charge, I just play one in real life.

What Do Real Moms Do? -- If you feel like an imposter, just pretending to be the grown up in charge when you really have no idea what you're doing, you'll want to read this.  {posted @ Unremarkable Files}Especially when I first became a parent. I felt like I was stumbling through each day based solely on trial and error. The real moms, the ones who had it all figured out, what did they do?

When did they take showers?

How often did they actually mop the kitchen floor?

It's almost embarrassing that it took me several years to realize: I'm a real mom. And though it's a little scary, I'm probably an average mom. The way I'm doing things is probably something like the way it's getting done in lots of other houses, too. Maybe even yours.

I'm doing a Q&A today for the "real mums" series on What Katy Said. Visit me there and you'll learn two things: (1) there's no denying that I'm real, and (2) everything sounds better in a British accent.


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11 comments:

Julie S said...

This post series sounds fun, I have to check it out :) But yes, we are the real moms, and real moms are not perfect.

Kendall said...

Agree 100%! I sometimes have glimpses of understanding that I'm not necessarily getting much of anything "wrong" and that more than likely other families are doing similar things :)

Tubbs said...

We all do the things that work for our family and our situation. And then we pretend it's marvelous :) Having read your day, I shall stop complaining about how much I have to do!

mumturnedmom said...

Really enjoyed your interview, your day almost makes mine sound easy, almost :)

Ruthie Gray said...

I just really like your blog, Jenny. You are a down to earth person - one I'd like to get to know better! I remember thinking the same thing for oh, most of my parenting career!
Following you!

Unknown said...

I feel this way, and my kids are 7 and 9 years old now! I don't have any family living in New England where we live, and I often wonder, "Am I doing this right?!" Everyone else seem to know what they're doing, or at least they don't let on if they don't... lol

I'll follow you on BlogLovin'! :)

Jenny Evans said...

From one New Englander to another... we all smile to hide the fact that we're clueless. Following you right back.

S.L. Payne said...

I love this! I feel like I am just pretending too and flying by the seat of my pants sometimes! I know I have looked like a deer in headlights when one of our social workers said I was doing such a good job as a foster mom since I was brand new at it and felt like I had no idea what I am doing, just trying my best. One day at a time right? I think most of us are just giving it our best shot and I totally appreciate the support of other moms and fostering friends since I think we all need each other. Thanks so much for sharing!
-Sara, uncommongrace.net

Jenny Evans said...

Fostering adds a whole other layer of complexity. I've had family members and friends foster. Good for you!

Anonymous said...

I have six kids and I'm a stay at home mom too. I also feel like I'm pretending. My life is beyond busy. Hardly have time for myself now but, one day they will be grown and I will be missing them so much. Time needs to slow down. Way down.

Jenny Evans said...

I hear you! I sometimes wonder when I will stop feeling like a kid playing adult. Does that ever happen?

Time does go too fast, absolutely. Some days I get to the end of the day and think, 'Well I have no idea what I really accomplished today, but I'm exhausted so it must've been something!"