I’m doing a good job.

There, I said it.

I think moms today have a real hard time saying this phrase. Maybe it’s because it feels like we’re bragging. I get that. But I also think it’s because it feels like you can’t ever really be sure when it comes to motherhood if you’re actually doing a good job. One day you feel like supermom and everything is running smoothly, on time, and melt down-free. But then the next, everything falls apart and you’re pretty sure you’re messing this entire motherhood gig up.

For me, being a strategist and researcher by trade, I need evidence before I make a statement as certain as this one. And this Mother’s Day, I got the evidence I needed.

For Mother’s Day, one of the gifts I received was a handmade paper from my son where he answered questions about me that his teacher asked. When I read his answers, I actually teared up. (And for those of you who don’t know, I’m NOT a crier.) Look at this ladies!

My daughter made this book for me all about mom. In it, it talks about how she loves when I sing to her at bedtime and that I teach her to be patient. PATIENT!!! When I sometimes feel like the most impatient person on the planet. (Maybe she’s watching what NOT to do???)

Today I told my son’s teacher how much his paper and answers meant to me. And she said, “Lauren, he was 100% sure in his answers. They were the first things that came to his mind. It’s like he knew exactly what he wanted to say about his mom. You should feel really proud of that, that he knows you so well.”

Ladies, I think that, despite some day to day evidence in my life where things do just fall apart, I’m actually doing a good job. I don’t mother perfectly. I wonder if I’m teaching the right lessons. Giving them enough independence. Reacting to them in the right way. I wonder if I’m doing enough. If I’m there for them enough. If I’m mom enough.

But guess what? According to my son, I’m a hard working woman who bakes a mean chocolate chip cookie and is teaching my son to be good. According to my daughter, I’m a “gorg-ez” (guessing gorgeous?) mom who is teaching my daughter patience and who puts on her favorite music in the car for dance parties.

And that is all the evidence I need to know I’m doing a good job.

Happy Mother’s Day mamas. You’re doing a great job. Say it loud. Say it proud.

-Lauren