When I first became a mother, I quickly settled into my new role. Feeding, rocking, nursing, changing, and repeat. It wasn’t always easy, but it was fulfilling and necessary for the growth of my darling babies. Now that my children are both elementary aged, I’ve come to find that my roles as a mother have taken on a not so glamorous trend.
Here are just a few of the undesirable roles that my children have me starring in on a daily basis.
The Human Trash Can
“Here, mom!” they say as they hand over empty gummy wrappers, lollipop sticks, or a used tissue. My personal favorite are the in-the-car passes they try to complete. As if me holding their garbage trumps me driving the car. When exactly I became a human trash can is hard to place, but it is a role I am adamantly trying to rid myself of.
Pack Mule
“Can someone please hold something?” Their small hands are completely “full” with one stuffed animal or a snack or water bottle. Yet, mommy gains official pack mule status as she lugs in bags, and mail, and other various items from the day as we walk into the house. My oldest has slowly started to learn her lesson when we have arrived at school without her backpack on one occasion. You need it? You bring it.
Broken Record
My mom would always use the phrase “Am I a broken record?” Yes, mom, you were, and I now understand that moms everywhere play this role. It is amazing that I need to repeat the same phrases each day. Put your shoes on. Turn off the the television. Put your dishes in the dishwasher. Sorry, but NO! Do you think I could teach Alexa to say, “Brush your teeth”? They might listen to her the first time.
Referee
About two years ago, parenting became significantly harder in our family. Call it Sibling Rivalry or a rite of passage for anyone who has a brother or sister, it doesn’t matter – it stinks! This mommy is now put in the role of referee. An ever constant need to stop what we are doing to offer some conflict resolution. Even with an age gap of four years, there is a strong competition over who is loved the best. Someone please get this mom a whistle.
Short Order Cook
I’m sure there are moms out there that do not have to play this role, but unfortunately this is the story of my life. My eldest is not only picky but also has sensory issues with certain textures, making meal time a less than enjoyable event. I often find myself cooking not only two different meals, but also different variations of those meals. I might as well have a little pad to write down their different preferences and let me tell you, none of the options on the wheel below are even in the rotation!
