Our writer takes a closer look at what the title ‘Mom’ really implies. 

What comes to mind when you think of the word mom? Does your mind work up a connotation that includes high waisted jeans, a messy bun and a van jam packed full of kids and clutter?

If so, you are now getting an inside look into my life, and into the lives of many women in Canada.

Mom isn’t a bad word. It’s a badge of honour.

We are strong

Moms put their bodies through nine months of growth and sacrifice and then put their strength to the ultimate test in labour. Not only do you have to physically strong (they don’t call it labour for nothing) but you also need to be mentally fierce to take on the scary moments to push when you are too exhausted to push, to face the ring of fire and then wait for those excruciating moments before you hear your baby cry.

Mothers are completely bad-ass.

We may live in yoga pants and run on coffee but we also are able to keep tiny humans alive despite their best efforts to the contrary.

We are multi-taskers

We are forced to sleep in shifts while periodically checking to make sure our babies are breathing. Instead of resting during the day, we multitask like ninja masters making meals, cleaning spills and keeping our little ones intellectually stimulated.

Despite how tempted we may feel, most of us never run away from the insurmountable task of being responsible for the physical, mental and emotional health of our kids.

The word mother should be synonymous with warrior.

As a mother, I am a cook, cleaner, psychiatrist, referee, chauffeur, fashion consultant, nutritionist, nurse, and interior decorator. My kids are not my only focus, but they are my primary focus.

We are an asset

Motherhood doesn’t take away from who I am as a woman, instead, it adds to it. It has challenged me, changed me and made me better.

Instead of seeing motherhood as a hindrance, employers should seek it out in order to find the best and brightest to add to their workforce.

If a woman is also a parent, then you know that she has stepped up to one of the biggest physical and emotional challenges you can go through as a young adult. This woman has made it through sleepless nights, teething, diapers and has come out the other side. She has learned how to put the needs of others before her own, make decisions while under pressure and multi-task like a pro.

We are willing to sacrifice

If a mom chooses not to work outside of the home, it shows that she is willing to give her whole life to the well-being of her family. There is no wrong way to be a mother.

Motherhood can also mean skipping a meal to feed your kids. Going without so they can have more and staying strong even if you have to show strength you don’t really have.

So when someone says you look like a mother, remember that it doesn’t mean you are about 15 pounds overweight and haven’t showered yet today, it means that you look strong, accomplished and selfless.

And completely bad-ass.