It takes all types of people to make the world go round, and as much is definitely true when it comes to parenting. When I was pregnant with my daughter, I dreamed of being the PTA mom — a hyper organized, healthy-snack-toting sorceress of Pinterest. Looking back, I had all the classic signs you're going to be a laid-back mom. And you know what? I'm cool with being a chill mom, because the reality is there's no one right way to be a mother. Raising tiny humans is hard, so it makes sense to play to our strengths.
While my prenatal dreams of being that mom who plans for every eventuality haven't exactly panned out, I'm grateful for the women in my life who do fall under that umbrella. Let me preface what I'm about to say with this: Motherhood is entirely worth it, if it's a journey you're thinking of taking. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Having said that, this is some tough stuff, y'all. Today, my kid bit a light bulb (YES, HE BIT A LIGHT BULB). Some days I honestly don't know which way is up, which is exactly why I value all of the different types of moms in my life. Myriad things go into raising a happy child who will grow up to be a happy, well-adjusted adult. I'm a firm believer that we can all learn from each other and help each other out. Because, real talk, sometimes you just need to laugh together to keep from crying.
Regardless of what traits drive your parenting style, know this — we're all in this together. You're going to rock this whole child-rearing thing, little mama! And if you happen to notice any of these signs along the way, it looks like you're headed for laid-back momville. Let me be the first to say welcome; you're gonna love it here.
You Don't Crack Under Pressure
The stress of being a parent is no joke. It can be overwhelming on a good day, much less a day when you factor in things like illness or work woes or any other extenuating factors (like, oh you know, your kid trying to eat glass). But you're one of those people others want to be in the bunker with when disaster strikes, because you're level-headed. If you don't lose your sh*t when the sh*t hits the fan, you're not likely to freak out every single time your kid spikes a fever or scrapes a knee. See also: when you're a mom, sometimes the sh*t literally hits the fan.
You Like Making Plans, But You're Not Married To Them
You're down with having a daily agenda. If something comes up and you need to shift accordingly, though, it isn't a crisis. And when your day winds up shot and you have to chuck the day planner to the wayside, your blood pressure remains remarkably low. When you have kids, stuff comes up. Do babies benefit from structure? Sure. But you'll embrace the idea that what structure means in your family is entirely up to you. If your kids are crushing their afternoon art project, you might push off nap time for an hour. It's all good.
You've Got A Major Case Of Wanderlust
You're what friends and family lovingly refer to as a drifter. On more than one occasion, you may have been described as having a gypsy soul. Simply put: You like to see the world, blow where the wind takes you. You may be wondering what this has to do with raising babies. Well, it's a solid indicator you'll be cool about loading your kid in a baby sling and setting off. As a new mom, it can be highly tempting to stay home and shield your child from any potential germs or danger. But laid-back mamas tend to view the outside world as one big adventure, making their kid a co-pilot from an early age.
Your Motto Is "Everything In Moderation"
You do your best to eat well, exercise, and generally live a healthy lifestyle — but you also do your best to enjoy a bottle of wine with your girlfriends when you get the chance. And it's unlikely any high-fangled study is going to convince you that bacon is the devil. As a mom, you'll of course prioritize your child's health and strive to give them foods and drinks that pack the most nutritional punch. But if every third Wednesday of the month your baby girl wants a Samoa cookie, you might just have some-moa with her. Everything in moderation, right?
You Don't Sweat The Small Stuff
You're an expert in the art of picking your battles — you know that some things are worth getting riled up over, and some things are best to let slide. Parenthood is like that every.single.day. Because it isn't readily in your nature to suffer from anxiety, you won't see red when your toddler turns your walls into a work of art. You won't call poison control if your kid licks the dog bowl or eats one of those saccharine gel packs in shoe boxes (besides, I already did that last one for you; they aren't toxic, just a choking hazard, FYI).
You Aren't Afraid Of Getting A Little Dirty
Who needs shoes, right? You've totally been known to ditch your shoes and spend entire weekends barefoot, unbothered by the layer of sediment caking your toes. You're keen to the idea that "dirt don't hurt." This will serve you well, my friend, because — heads up! — everything about having kids is messy business.
You Relish Alone Time
You may very well be a social butterfly who loves to be surrounded by friends and family, but you're also independent and you know the importance of carving out time for yourself. When you have little ones, the temptation to helicopter parent is all too real. But that'll take over your life if you let it. You'll ascribe more to the idea that independent play is just as important for your little ones as it is for you. There's much for your little one to explore after all! Just, word to the wise from one laid-back mama to another, make sure that exploration doesn't include light bulbs.
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