As I sit here, sipping my lukewarm coffee (that I’ve reheated at least three times), I can’t help but reflect on our journey into the wild world of motherhood. As summer fades and the school year kicks off, I’ve made a big decision: I’m officially embracing my title as an “okay mom.” You know what I mean — the mom who tries her best but sometimes just wants a nap instead of perfecting lunchbox aesthetics.
The PTA Adventure
So, I joined the PTA this year. Yes, I took the plunge into parent-teacher land! At the first meeting, I walked in, coffee in hand, feeling like I was on an episode of Survivor: Mom Edition. Everyone else looked so put together, while I was in my trusty yoga pants, wondering if I should have baked cookies instead of bringing store-bought snacks.
But here’s the funny part: I’m sure the other moms were just as nervous as I was! Underneath their organized exteriors, I could see the same worries I had about bake sales and fundraisers. So, I decided to just enjoy being me. If my cookies taste like cardboard, at least I showed up, right?
Ditching the Guilt
Now, let’s talk about the guilt — the heavy, suffocating blanket of guilt that seems to come with the territory of motherhood. Oh, the guilt! It’s like a shadow that follows you around, whispering, “You should be doing more.” Between my 8-year-old, who thinks homework is optional, and my 3-year-old, who believes everything is a toy, it can get overwhelming.
So, here’s the deal: I’m letting go of the guilt. Yes, I might not be the mom who volunteers for every field trip or knows how to do the latest TikTok dance with my kids (seriously, how do they move their bodies like that?). But I’m the mom who can make an epic fort out of couch cushions, who tells hilarious (albeit cringy) dad jokes, and who can expertly negotiate bedtime like a seasoned diplomat.
READ: Confessions of a ‘Messy’ Mom: Embracing Imperfection with Style and Laughter
Finding the Humor in Chaos
This school year, I’m all about celebrating the little wins. Like the time I remembered to wear real clothes while dropping my son off at school (pajama bottoms don’t count, right?). Or when we had a family dinner without a single meltdown (okay, maybe just mine).
The truth is, life isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making memories and having fun, even when things get messy. So, let’s cheer for our “okay mom” moments and remember we’re all just doing our best.
A Simple Reminder
At the end of the day, being a mom is not about crafting the perfect Pinterest-worthy life. It’s about creating memories, embracing the mess, and showing our kids that it’s okay to be imperfect. So, whether you’re a seasoned PTA veteran or just trying to figure out what day it is, remember to give yourself grace. And if all else fails, there’s always takeout and Netflix waiting for you at home. Cheers to us, the “okay moms”!
