I was ready for some much needed routine as this school year starts, but then the reality hit me! The relaxed mode I was in is over and I’m left with an enormous amount of stress. Yes, stress with the demands of being super mom! This includes the never ending demands of motherhood, including balancing work; helping with lunches, homework, after school activities… the list goes on (and on… and on…).

It feels like I’m swirling around in chaos, but then it hits me and I chuckle… you see I watched this summer’s blockbuster comedy “Bad Moms” (with tons of other moms –there was a lot of estrogen in that theatre!). So while the movie is not appropriate for the young and at times is a tad lewd,  I had gone simply to enjoy a good laugh.

However, after a bit of reflection, I couldn’t help but feel some of it rang a bit true!  The struggle to be the perfect mom is overwhelming and what does “perfect” really mean anyway?

In the movie, the main character seemingly has it all… a great husband, beautiful home, overachieving children and a successful career. However, we soon discover she’s the one keeping everyone and everything together. She is leading a thankless, drudgery of a life with never-ending demands.

Is being the perfect mom about doing everything for our kids?

We learn by the end that a bit of mom pulling back (okay, I’m being kind… she actually loses it in the movie for humour) actually does the kids well and allows the kids to develop responsibility, independence and resiliency.

So as the craziness of September starts, I plan to take a deep breath and NOT be a super mom, a bad mom or a perfect mom (and not just because of this movie… either). I just hope to survive and help my kids develop their own skills… and stop doing it all!

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For parenting information or to speak with a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.