More Confessions of an Average Supermom

Every so often, I like to share my secrets as an Average SuperMom. I do this so that other moms might reach the same status I have worked so hard to achieve. I hope these little confessions help you become an Average SuperMom too. That is, assuming you are a mom. If you aren't, you are welcome to read on. Just be sure to share these insights with those who might find them helpful.


1. I'm a push-over. I could try to put it in a better light and say I'm tender-hearted but then I wouldn't be an average SuperMom, I'd be a super SuperMom... and how boring is that?! For example, I warm my kids' towels in the dryer for them after their bath. I also warm up their clothes. Does Daddy do this? No. Do they insist that Daddy do this? Again, no. This is Mommy's thing.

2. I'm a wimp. Some days I get so tired of arguing with my boys that I just back down. I guess a lot of it could fall under the umbrella of "picking your battles", but there are times I am just too tired to enforce certain things, even though I know I should.

3. I Get Strangers to do my Job. OK, that sounds worse than it is but when you have kids who listen to every other person besides their parents, this can be an effective tool. I recently tried to enlist the shoe salesman at Nordstrom to convince my three year old that it is NOT good to wear flip-flops in cold, rainy weather. I figured I was spending enough money on a pair of shoes, the least he could do was act as the voice of authority- the "Shoe Guy"- and save me from having to participate in the War of the Flip-Flops for the next 15 years. The Shoe Guy did a beautiful job coming across as the stern authority on the subject of proper footwear. Did it work? No. It was worth a try though.

4. I Get More Strangers to do my Job. When the Shoe Guy couldn't convince my little Jimmy Buffet that flip-flops are not suitable for winter weather, I took advantage of Andrew's doctor's appointment to get the doctor-- who was really a nurse practitioner, but the boys didn't need to know that-- to explain to Nate that he needs to wear socks and shoes in cold, rainy weather. Guess what? I think this time it worked... Nate wore shoes and socks this afternoon!

5. I Let my Kids Play in the Rain... in their Flip-Flops. Why? I figure it won't hurt them to do that for a little while. They like to hop in a hot bath afterwards. And of course, I warm up their towels and clothes for when they get out. I can only imagine what my neighbors must think, seeing my boys outside in the rain, running around and splashing in mud puddles. I'm sure I've been pegged as the irresponsible mom in the cul-de-sac. Heck, I only wish I could get out there and join my boys!