A GOOD MOM

I wrote this in Wisconsin in 1986, when school – for everyone - was in 9 months and out 3. 

For nine months out of every year, I am in control of my life.  Then school gets out and I again become “just Mom.”

I like to do things at full speed.  If I am cleaning house, I don’t stop until I’m done – no matter what!  If I am reading, woe to anyone who butts in.  If I have to exchange something at WalMart, I don’t want to look at some hair conditioner that was advertised in Young Miss.  I want to GET ON WITH IT!!

But summer vacation comes as inevitably as death and taxes.  A mother has to adjust.  So I have put away all of my hobbies, shelved all the books except “Assertive Discipline for Parents,” and made up my mind to be a good mom.

A good mom teaches her children to cook.  I now have one burned circle in my formica countertop.

A good mom teaches her children the value of money.  I am now broke.

A good mom plans a wonderful three-week vacation in North Carolina to visit many friends and relatives, and comes home with two extra kids in the car.

A good dad teaches the kids to mow the lawn.  A dumb mom accidentally learns how, too.

A good mom rides the Eagle at Great America.  Enough said.

A good mom never gives in to nagging but instead says, “You have to save your money for a bike.”  I bought her a bike.

A good mom works hard all summer to inspire intellectual curiosity and instill a desire in her children to read classic books.  After several “Garfield” books from the library, I bribed my kids to get good grades in reading this year.

Maybe I’ll learn to be a good mom one day.  Or maybe I’ll follow the advice I heard the other day:  “If at first you don’t succeed, redefine success.”