Becoming a mom is intense and transformative. Many mamas feel like they lose themselves in the mix of growing, birthing and becoming the non-stop caregiver of a tiny human. And while this journey will definitely change you, it doesn’t have to change all of you.
When I had my first son, there were so many things people (and society!) told me I couldn’t do, simply because I was a mother. Two kids and many late night identity crises later, I’m here to share some of the things you are absolutely still allowed to do, even as a mom.
- Live on take out or meal delivery. There is no shame in not cooking.
- Opt out of events that are too stressful or you don’t feel up to. Even holidays and birthdays.
- Go out. For dinner, for drinks, just to dance.
- Take nudes!
- Get a hotel for the night. For the weekend. For the week.
- Spend money on yourself.
- Take a vacation, WITHOUT your kids.
- Get plastic surgery.
- Have a cocktail (or two)!
- Be sexy! Dress sexy! Dance sexy!
- Not share photos of your kiddo on social media.
- End a relationship. Romantic, platonic, familial or business.
- Hire help. A nanny, a cleaning service, an assistant. Whoever you need.
- Smoke weed.
- Change your sexual preference.
- Start a business.
- Hang out with single friends and people who don’t have kids.
- Get a tattoo.
- Date.
- Have ‘grown up’ sex.
- Take care of yourself and regularly.
- Change your career.
- Embrace your post-baby body instead of ‘bouncing back’.
- Dramatically change your appearance—bold makeup, bright hair, you do you.
- Prioritize your mental health.
- Prioritize your physical health.
What am I missing? Share all the things you absolutely CAN do as a mom in our Is This Normal digital community.
