As someone who is not in love with the spotlight and much prefers to hide behind this keyboard, gaining my moms of multiples badge (MoM badge) was quite the overnight rise to stardome that I was not thrilled about. Don’t read that incorrectly; I was excited (and completely overwhelmed) to learn we were expecting 3 babies, but I most dreaded thinking about the extra attention I would receive every time I left the house with my crew. They actually dedicate a portion of the “Marvelous Multiples” hospital class to discussing the attention and random questions you will receive from the mostly well-meaning strangers as you venture in public.
The other day, I took my 2-year-old trio to the zoo solo for the first time. I pulled them around in our triple seater Radio Flyer wagon while sporting my new “full hands full heart” t-shirt, MoM badge bared proudly for all to see. Every time we venture out from the house, there are stares, smiles, and almost always comments. Of course this day was no different from the usual. Another mom stopped me to inquire about the triplets and shared with me that she’s a fellow multiples mamma. She also offered words of encouragement and told me I’m doing a great job.
Getting stopped by strangers used to make me extremely uncomfortable, and some days I still don’t love it. But on a day when I’ve stretched myself, these words of affirmation are well received. The perk of a MoM badge is that I can’t hide it. We are an absolute spectacle every time we leave the house together. We draw attention because we are not the norm. This MoM badge is a gift that I treasure, but it also makes me consider, What about the moms of singletons? When I leave the house with only one child, I get no stares, no praise, no encouragement. We make it through the store in record time because no strangers give us much more than a first glance. Who encourages that mom who made it to the grocery store with her little one(s) alone for the first time? She deserves praise and encouragement as much as I do.
If you were given multiples, wouldn’t you care for them in the same way I do? I might be a little more exhausted at the end of the day, but I am no more a mom to them than anyone else is a mom to her children because they were born one at a time. Therefore, let us encourage one another to be the moms we were called to be. Let us honor the “mom badge” we all wear daily. Flash a smile at that other mom in the store with your underlying message of “solidarity sister!” Let someone else know we’ve all been there too or that they’re doing a great job. And if you happen to see me pulling that Radio Flyer at the zoo or pushing the bulky triple cart at Target, feel free to throw some encouragement and smiles my way too. I can always use it!
How do you like to show encouragement to other moms? Share in the comments!