You Might Be an Okay Mom...

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences in the world, but let’s talk straight. It’s really hard. Balancing kids and bills and play dates and holidays is no walk in the park. Throw in raising multiple kids or balancing a career and you’re just asking for a few things to fall through the cracks. No one is perfect, and mediocrity is bound to work its way into your parenting. But don’t sweat it; every mom has been there. Here’s proof:

Less than stellar bottle service:  Baby bottles should be taken apart, placed in boiling water and thoroughly sterilized. Never mind that your son is eating dog food out of a bowl on the floor. Truthfully, a quick rinse in warm-ish water will more than suffice for bottles every now and again. And who wrote that “throw out any unused mixed formula after one hour” suggestion? Whoever it was must not know the cost of formula. Surely 48 hours is still in the safe zone.

Cuisine is a four-letter word: Hot dogs and mac ‘n cheese are part of the food pyramid, right? Well, they should be. And no need to look at the cooking instructions. You can estimate a quarter cup of milk with your eyes closed while pouring a glass of wine with the other hand. Because you’re a pro at this mom-ing thing.

The short, short story time: Why yes, of course you read the entire 52-page book that was requested at bedtime. So sorry it seemed shorter than usual, kiddos. Maybe you fell asleep during the part where the girl finds her missing dog? Better pay closer attention tomorrow…night-night, sleep tight!

The great coat debate: Kids should be bundled up when it’s cold outside. Be sure to remember hats, gloves, earmuffs, extra socks, moisture-resistant shoes. Forget it—jeans and a sweater will be fine. Mom is too tired to care today.

Van Gogh in the trash: Who knew as a mom you could add art critic to your resume? As much as you’d love to keep every colored picture and literary masterpiece your child creates, you only have so much room in the filing cabinet. So that drawing of what looked like a decapitated Easter Bunny magically made its way into the recycle bin. That’s life, kids. Accidents happen.

Promises are made to be broken with bribes: You promised to take the kids to the zoo after their basketball game this weekend. But your feet hurt and the last episode from your latest Netflix binge is calling. A quick stop for a 2,000-calorie milkshake is just the ticket to earn forgiveness for skipping a visit with Fluffy the rare panda.

The bake sale bluff: Yes, the cookies you brought to the carnival are full of gluten, sugar, GMOs and probably a litany of ingredients that are illegal in Europe. But they look homemade thanks to this fancy monogrammed platter you got at Target for $4.99.  Score another point for Okay Mom!

Kim Antisdel is a freelance writer and interior design sales rep for Kansas City. She lives in Liberty with her husband, two stepdaughters and son. Editor’s note: And she is a great mom!