
You know who we’re talking about: She never misses an activities registration deadline, she reminds you about PJ day three days prior and she’s never mixed up a pickup time. But the best part about this friend? She’s kind enough to casually nudge you to sign up already. Partly because she doesn’t want to do check-out at the Book Fair alone, but also because she knows you want to be there.
Even though this Mom looks like she’s spent the night wrestling with a rabid raccoon (and if she’s sleep training a baby or co-sleeping with a toddler, this is basically true), she shows up (possibly in what she wore to sleep). She hasn’t gotten a pedicure since she went into labor with her first. She’s late to everything from pick up to PTA meetings and forgets to sign permission slips.
The thing about motherhood is that every time you think you have something figured out, your kid gets to the next stage and you’re slapped in the face with a new mountain to conquer. Got breastfeeding to finally work? Congrats, welcome to your new friend mastitis. Successfully transitioned from bottle to sippy cup? Well done – now good luck cleaning out that disgusting
mold trap.
Motherhood changes women in ways you never imagined. And sometimes, you can lose yourself in it. That’s why it’s important to have a mom who was a friend before you were moms. Who can appreciate you for the younger, more carefree version of yourself while understanding where you are now. If you aren’t lucky enough to have any of these living close to you, plan a girls’ trip to reconnect—or even a FaceTime call when dad is available to babysit so you can have a “wine” down.
This mom not only mothers her kids, she mothers your kids, and you as well. She’s the Class Mom, the mom who offers to bring your kids home from practice or activities, and brings you soup when you’re sick. She loves caring for others, and she’s great at it. Let her do what she does best — all you need to do is say thank you.
This mom doesn’t just talk the talk of self-care, she lives it. She’s regularly taking time to work out. Unlike Hot Mess mom, her toe polish is on point…even in February. She reads—actual books, not just school emails and college admissions essays. And you know what? Not only is she a happier, healthier version of, well, you, she’s doing her best to encourage you to stop lighting yourself on fire to keep everyone around you warm.
When you make a friend before you’re a mom, you usually have a lot in common. Maybe you laugh at the same stuff, you played lacrosse together, or were in the same sorority. But a mom friend can kind of be like an office BFF or a neighbor — if you find a
friend that conveniently has kids the same age, that alone is enough. You don’t have to relate on a deeper level than hanging out making small talk at the playground or the occasional moms night out.