Moms of preschoolers, let’s be honest. Some days feel like you’re starring in a never-ending episode of “Survivor: Toddler Edition.” You wake up already exhausted, fueled by lukewarm coffee and sheer willpower, and by 9 a.m., you’ve refereed three fights, cleaned up a mystery spill, and answered the same question 47 times.
It’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough. But here’s the thing, you’re CRUSHING IT in ways you don’t even realize. Let’s take a minute to celebrate those parenting wins, the little victories that deserve more fanfare than they get (because, let’s be real, no one is handing out trophies for keeping tiny humans alive and relatively happy).
1. You Survived a Grocery Store Trip Without a Meltdown (Yours or Theirs)
Nothing strikes fear in a mom’s heart like an over-tired, snack-deprived preschooler in the cereal aisle. If you made it through without a public display of defiance, give yourself a gold star. Even if you had to bribe them with a granola bar from your purse, a win is a win.
2. You Answered “Why?” a Million Times Without Losing Your Mind
“Why is the sky blue?” “Why do dogs have tails?” “Why can’t I have cake for breakfast?” If you managed to answer at least half of these with patience and minimal eye twitching, you’re basically a superhero.
3. You Managed to Drink Your Coffee While It Was Still Warm
This is the unicorn of parenting victories. If you pulled it off, even once, without microwaving it three times, you deserve a standing ovation.
4. You Got Your Kid to Eat Something That Wasn’t Beige
Chicken nuggets, crackers, mac and cheese, preschoolers have a deep, personal commitment to beige foods. If you managed to sneak in a vegetable (or even something remotely colorful), that’s a major win. Extra points if they didn’t spit it out.
5. You Put Them to Bed Without a 45-Minute Negotiation
If bedtime didn’t involve five extra hugs, three potty breaks, and a dramatic retelling of the day’s events, you deserve a nap (if only preschoolers believed in letting moms have those).
6. You Made it Through the Day Without Stepping on a Lego
If you’ve ever felt the fiery pain of a rogue Lego underfoot, you know this one is worth celebrating. Dodging them like a ninja? Next level.
7. You Took a Moment for Yourself (Even If It Was Just Hiding in the Bathroom)
Parenting is a 24/7 gig, and taking time for yourself can feel impossible. If you snuck in a deep breath, scrolled your phone for five minutes, or even locked yourself in the bathroom for a second of peace, that’s self-care, and it totally counts.
The Takeaway: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget that you’re absolutely rocking this mom thing. Celebrate the little wins. Laugh at the crazy moments. And remember, lukewarm coffee still has caffeine, and you’ve got this.