A version of this piece posted on Richmondmom.com in April, but I love it so much that I’m giving it an update and second showing because I could use the reminder.
Who hasn’t struggled with the thoughts and worries of motherhood culminating in the ever-present phrase: Am I a good mom?
How do we know we are doing it right? Whatever “it” is or isn’t or will be after newest research comes out.
In being the helpful person that I am, I created a simple checklist to help us moms (and dads) know once and for all.
If you answered yes to 4 of these questions, you are probably fine, but you could pick a 5th and do it to officially be in the club.
Me as Fancy Nancy thanks to my daughter. Now we’re all in!
The good moms have a secret handshake — actually it’s more of a high-five with our right hand while doing the Heimlich Maneuver in our left arm and continuing to steer a grocery cart with a foot and knee combo.
It’s almost as awesome as most moms are.
{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh I love this and do I get the day off since I was able to check a lot of the boxes?
Oh yes, the Good Mom Checklist Nanny Service is found in a button on your TV set. Click ON.
Since parenting cats is good practice for parenting human children, is there a cat version so we know whether we are good cat parents?
Either way, I hope you dress your cat(s) up like Fancy Nancy…that would be adorable.
They should just hand this out at hospitals when women give birth. It would save us all a lot of “am I doing it right?” heartache
Because I answered yes to almost every single one does that mean that I am in the running for a parent of the year award?
Oh, love this! Yay, I’m a good mom, I checked off a lot of boxes!
I’ve also pulled poop out of…. oh wait, TMI.
This just made me cry.
Apparently I really am rocking this gig.
Thank you.
This is simply awesome! Seriously, you nailed it sister. We are all just doing the best we can and it is better than average…and according to this checklist, it may just be an A+ performance!
This is awesome, thanks for the checklist!
This is great. I smiled at each box I got to check off.
Thank you for validating my existence! I feel AWESOME now!
huh. Fancy Nancy is a cross between Laura Ingolls and Zelda Fitzgerald? Good to know.
Also? check check check check…I like this!
This is a terrific list. It reminds me not to take myself so seriously…especially when I am clapping because my child blinks, which I am most certain I have actually done before.
I answered yes to all of them. I think there’s something wrong with me.
I loved this so much!
Thanks for the checklist
We’re expect in March 2013. Complete surprise at our ages and when the doctor said we’d never get pregnant. Anyway, good to know there’s a checklist 
I’ll keep that handy!
If we love our children, our hearts will be in it.
Loved this post. *waving from here with my living room floor a minefield of lego pieces*
Okay, this list is awesome!
I’m a good mom after all
needed this today … now i feel all mighty powerful and should go out and buy a cape …
Oh my gosh, I laughed so hard at the one about clapping when they blink!!! HA HA HA HA!!!
According to this list, I am like THE best mom EVAH!!!
So cute and fun! Thanks for the laughs.
Since I started reading your blog – I have basically used it as a daily affirmation in my current role as a semi-competent SAH(MD). And now I am conflicted to find out that I am actually the awesomest mom ever. I should probably become a blogger and start writing an awesome parenting guide… Oh wait – I’m also the laziest mom ever. Darnit.
BTW – did you see this article in the NYT?
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/12/magazine/whats-so-bad-about-a-boy-who-wants-to-wear-a-dress.html?pagewanted=8&_r=1&src=rechp
I can finally, finally feel good about myself (sob) (waving hand, eyes shining with tears).
Check!
Also – if you saw how well my kid blinks, you would clap too.
Aww, thanks so much for this. I feel a ton better. I had to read the part about Cheerios and napkins in my purse aloud to Jack because I am 100% sure that both of those things are in my purse. And matchbox cars. There are ALWAYS matchbox cars, no matter how many times I try to purge them…
Love this!! Thanks for reminding me that I’m not a total failure as a mom!! It’s nice to know somedays!
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