Save the Chubby Unicorns shirt

Being a mom is hard Save the Chubby Unicorns shirt. Especially because we live in a culture that simultaneously tells us that being a mom is the best thing ever, yet only gives us 6 weeks maternity leave. And maybe if we were actually honest in our culture about how hard it is especially if you’re single and uneducated, there would be fewer foster kids? Or a need for someone like me to treat the fall-out. A lot of moms feel guilty, including myself, because we don’t fall into the cultural stereotype of enjoying motherhood. Unless you can afford nannies and housekeepers, being a mom is really hard I don’t know how my mom did it. Because it totally changes your life. No more gym, no more pedicures, I even had to decrease my therapy appointments. Of course, some of this is tongue in cheek I know we ALL make it to our pedicures. But we do need supportive spouses, a supportive work environment it is possible to be a good employee and a good mom, supportive family in the area and regular outlets to just be an adult and to remember who we are.

Save the Chubby Unicorns shirt, sweater, hoodie and long sleeve tee

As women, we should support each other and our individual lifestyles no more ostracizing the “other mom” in class because of the choices she’s made! Just assume that she is doing the best she can! It’s time to support each other individually and in the broader context, like political candidates who specifically promote women’s issues. These would include: parental leave that actually supports the bonding between parent and child (it’s not just 6 weeks and it should include the dad); high quality and affordable daycare—they do it in Europe, why can’t we?; flexible work hours that support a woman’s life with her family—some tech companies already do this for their more highly reimbursed employees (hello Sheryl Sandberg), let’s do it for all women; and take tougher and proactive stands against domestic violence…there’s a reason most women don’t testify against their abusers. Only we can create a village of support for each other. And this can make a world of difference to someone who is struggling, alone and overwhelmed by the burdens of motherhood.