When You Have To Be 'That Mom'

Whether you've already experience this or not, there will come a point in your parenting life when you are going to need to be 'that mom'.  You know, the one people think is over reacting or being too cautious or too assertive.  The one that won't stop fighting for something that may be right for their child even though its not easy for others to understand or easy for others to do.  At some point, every mom is going to have their turn at being 'that mom'.  Food allergies, academic or behaviour challenges, developmental challenges, health challenges...the list is long when it comes to things that moms will become advocates for if it means protecting, helping or improving the lives of their children.

But here is the tricky part.  While your gut may be telling you, screaming at you, that you have every right to speak up, push and demand answers, there will always be some part of you that wonders if you are being too unreasonable, to pushy, or bordering on the status of helicopter parent.  I guess self doubt is just a typical feeling, something that is hard to shut out 100%, but I think its also because during the time when you've got your back up, you can't help but notice that other moms don't have to fight the same fights.  That is a catalyst for self doubt too.  Your gut is never wrong though, and most moms know that, even if sometimes they don't realize it until after a situation has transpired.  Haven't you ever said "I knew I should have..."? 

Next time a friend is telling you about a situation they are dealing with where they have to advocate for their kids, just offer your support.  It doesn't feel good to be 'that mom'.  It doesn't feel good to feel like no one is on the same page when it comes to what is best for your kids or that you aren't being taken seriously.  And as we all go through the prime parenting years (its a lot of years!), every mom will have to face the feeling of being 'that mom' at some point.  All I can say is that you should trust yourself.  Being outside your comfort zone is tough, but you will never regret fighting to make sure your child gets what they need.

This time of year is ripe with advocacy situations as we all settle into new routines, new schools and new teachers.  Go easy on yourself!  There is lots of talk about how the kids are adjusting to the new school year, but that doesn't mean the adjustment isn't just as hard for you.