“Had hundreds of these. Got tangled every time”

If you are a 1990s or early 2000s kid, you probably remember the sass of butterfly clips. Popular teen icons like Britney Spears and Hilary Duff played a huge part in making it trendy.

Technically, butterfly clips are essential because they pull back sections of hair from the top of the head, making one more tidy and comfortable. Yet who are we kidding? They are loved because of the colorful glamour! We only wish kids in the future had a taste of this trend.

“Good for him”

While many mothers stay awake to tend to infants in the middle of the night, there are also those who stay awake even though their children are already grown-ups. Apart from the physical distractions of hot flashes and disrupted body clocks, one main reason is that their thoughts are racing.

As said by Grown & Flown, a mother’s mind may buzz with worries and questions they can’t get answered during the day. This being said, perhaps it’s understandable why husbands deserve a side eye sometimes, right?

“Scrolling through 166 photos while she threw play food at me”

There is no denying that being a mom covers almost all responsibilities and truly, it’s not an easy feat. In reality though, sometimes mothers need their daily dose of alone time too! For some, it may be going out for lunch, visiting the salon, or planning trips with friends.

While for others, it may simply look like scrolling through the trendy Met Gala photos. After all, the event only happens once a year where famous personalities show up in the most creative fashion statement according to a specific theme set. The best thing? It’s a charity event.

“There are cleaning supplies where printer paper used to be?!”

Here is another magic that adulting can bring about: you suddenly love grocery shopping days. Well, at least for many people as we see in this meme. Dr. Bea of Cleveland Clinic explained that people have grown to love shopping because it stimulates the senses.

The smell of something new and colorful displays makes one feel they are out of reality in a more pleasant state. No wonder this dopamine-inducing activity has become a trend that one can even get angry when something is changed in the arrangement!

“I’m still miffed about the argument with my brother in 1986”

Isn’t it comforting to know we aren’t the only ones? This annoying feeling of regret and comedy makes you wish you could go back in time and act better in certain situations. Another thing, the flashbacks are greater when there’s an argument in the memory.

Psych Central explained it best; people are drawn to this phenomenon because this is how the mind attempts to self-soothe. The more you replay the conversation, the more you can analyze what happened and what you could’ve done better.

“11:30-ish before lunch/nap is the danger zone here”

Here we have a reminder from our lovely mothers, and it’s the kind you don’t question but just follow. If noon and afternoon errands can get an adult cranky, how much more is a baby whose still developing their body rhythms?

Love Very Blog listed possible reasons why babies are more grumpy during the afternoons. It could be because they are overtired, or their circadian rhythm is still developing, which means they need more sleep in other parts of the day apart from the nighttime.

“A serious issue in our house! That’s why we sell bags now”

For the first few times, it can be a no problem. Yet after a while, moms can’t help but just stare at their kids hoping the message comes across, and this facial expression said it best! While mothers are superheroes and can do almost anything, one solution to this dilemma is training kids to properly contain their stuff.

Baby Chick advised that parents can set an example and be specific with rules. Another approach is to make cleaning and arranging a fun game, where kids can earn points or even money.

“40-something times? Heck no.”

Gentle parenting is not a myth; it is an evidence-based approach to raising children effectively. The four main elements of this approach are empathy, respect, understanding, and boundaries. It is a way to maximize a child’s potential through compassion and observing boundaries.

We’re glad mothers try to be consistent with this approach, but we also can’t blame them if, at some point, gentle parenting leaves their system. Who likes saying the same thing 48 times, right? Perhaps it’s all about balance.

“I look and feel like this most of the time”

The number of affirmations this meme got on social media is enough testament that mothers are willing to go through anything for their families. It happens to the point of even putting their skincare routine at the last part of their to-do list.

However, this also served as a reminder of the importance of self-care for mothers. Every person has a different meaning and approach to self-care, which can vary from going out to dinner with a partner, having a coffee date with a friend, or taking naps in the middle of the day.

“Can I just have a teeny tiny little biteski?”

With all the hustle and bustle of life, sometimes fighting with your husband is the last thing you would want. However, nurturing your partner could easily fall away too; especially if you are a mom who maintains children and the household.

Nevertheless, despite the ups and downs, investing in your relationship and caring for each other is essential to your well-being and your children. This hilarious yet thoughtful habit of making sure they ate already strengthens connections.

Next: Sometimes you learn to just shush your children.

“They’re always surprised by it too. Like it doesn’t happen every day”

If there’s only a way to tell kids how lucky they are to be tucked in for sleep at the proper time, maybe their bedroom tantrums would stop. In reality, though, children resist bedtime tucking not because they want to give their moms a hard time.

Most times, it is usually because their schedules and body clocks are changing, they might be worried about nightmares or they are developing a sense of independence. Whatever the reason, this just means moms have to be extra patient, as if they don’t have to be every single time.

“It takes every bit of self-control I have”

This is a different story of patience and self-control, though. As much as you want to run to your children and help them fix things so they will be done quickly, sometimes the best thing to do is watch and let them learn, fail, and fix themselves.

Similarly, kids also love it when mothers are always there for them, but it is essential for their growth to learn by themselves and become their own problem-solvers. Allowing children to experience this makes them more independent and confident human beings.

“Hello, don’t speak to me”

Premenstrual syndrome is something only women understand and this meme is pretty relatable for almost everyone. Perhaps it would be better if people around would just stop talking and let one be.

After all, this phenomenon can all be traced back to hormonal changes; most of which are beyond control. During PMS, there are fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, which affects the mood. This is also the reason why negative emotions such as anger and sadness are easily triggered.

“Sounds more like the managers where I work”

There are stereotypes that mothers are softer, and fathers do the work of disciplining. Perhaps those who quickly assume that did not see this meme happening in real life yet. Sometimes mothers could feel like the villain for interrupting some “fun times,” especially if it is time for bed.

Mothers do it right though, because children need to relax instead of getting hyper before bedtime. They are advised to read a book, listen to gentle rhymes, or practice breathing exercises.

“My kid screaming for a fruit snack while I’m on the highway”

Sometimes you just want to command your brain to divide itself and do multiple things simultaneously. This is especially true if you are a mother who has to juggle societal responsibilities and the duty of listening to your children whatever it is they are saying.

Although it can get frustrating, children need positive attention for their self-image development. When they receive such, they develop a mindset that they are heard, which then turns into confidence in anything they face later in their lives.

“I laughed and asked the teacher if she was serious.”

Going to school fairs and hearing feedback from your child’s teacher might seem like you are hearing from a different person. Well, at least that’s how most parents described it! Some even asked the teacher not just once but many times if they were referring to the same kid.

Crystal I. Lee, Psy.D. explained to Reader’s Digest that kids are much worse around their parents because they are comfortable with them. When they leave the house and interact with new people and environments, they may withhold emotions and behaviors.

“Read the room, Bob”

There’s just a lot that can happen in a mother’s life, and sometimes we also cannot blame our husbands for not being able to read between the lines. Yet there is always a way to make things better only if one is interested enough to learn and make an effort.

Luckily, The Appreciation Blog has listed out techniques. Being aware of current life events and the stress it causes your partner is very important. It would also be ideal to be proactive with their schedules and discuss their thoughts about them.

“Everyone’s the perfect parent before they have kids”

No matter how one prepares themselves emotionally, physically, and financially, there is no such thing as a perfect parent. The amount of blog websites, memes, and research is enough proof that no one does parenting perfectly; but only one that does their best for their children.

As said by Healthline, parents should allow themselves to make mistakes as much as they allow their children to mess up. Love and patience are a two-way process, and these two values are fundamental to learning how to persevere through the messy yet worthwhile journey.

“It’s the sweet kiss and hands that get me”

Here’s a crazy thing about children: they make you mad, and then they make you soft, all in a span of a few minutes. Children can appear annoying and frustrating at some times, but ultimately, they are loving creatures, and we love them deeply too.

As explained by Today’s Parent, toddlers like to imitate expressions of love that they see from people around them. This can range from hugging, touching, and simple gestures of reaching out their hand. These expressions are also their way of establishing a more secure bond.

“Love adding fuel to the ‘bUt I’m NoT tIrEd’ fire”

As time passes, children can learn to argue and believe they are right. Instead of arguing back, parents sometimes find it easier to let them be but still insist on following rules such as bedtime.

If one wants to be more creative with their approach, Healthline has listed some tips that might work for you. This includes setting an individualized bed and wake-up time and making it a game. Turning off screens at least two hours before sleeping and designing a sleep-inducing environment are also ideal tips.

Next: I’m watching it in my dreams, dear.

“Every. Single. Night.”

Researchers have concluded that the ideal time to fall asleep is between 10 and 11 in the evening, as it is believed to work well with relaxing the heart and allowing you to rest. It is also a believed notion that adults should aim for at least six to eight hours of sleep every night.

When you are a mother, though, concepts like these may just pass like a blur in your ears. Grab it like a prize every time there’s a chance to sleep! And who cares about counting the hours when there are babies to feed?

“It’s really effin hard at every stage.”

This may be an ongoing debate, and there might not be a one-size-fits-all answer, but according to a survey by OnePoll, most parents think that the most challenging time to parent a kid is at eight years old. They even consider the ages two, three, and four a piece of cake.

It makes sense, though; after all, eight year old is officially a kid. They go to school, meet new people, and learn academically and culturally. This is also the age where kids are starting to cement their identity.

“The anxiety is real”

With everything going on in our everyday lives, worrying if someone is mad at you might just be the last thing one would want to worry about. Unfortunately, many mothers feel this way.

A shocking research by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Michigan reported that nearly two-thirds of mothers reported feelings of criticism for their parenting decisions. 40% even admitted that criticisms made them unsure of their maternal decisions. We still believe mother knows best, and they deserve hugs!

“Chaos, I Swear!”

Self-care is undeniably a must, yet it is also understandable why many simply find no time or energy for it, especially mothers. Moms have a lot on their plate that even checking their phones or responding to messages seems impossible.

Still, we want to encourage self-care and offer tips for anyone wanting to try. One unique technique laid out by Kindred Bravely is scheduling playdates with a trusted mom friend. You can let the kids play while sharing a worthwhile conversation!

“Me 24/7”

Crying might be easily associated with negative feelings of sadness and depression, but in reality, crying has its benefits too! Science has published that emotional tears release stress hormones and lower stress levels. It releases the happy chemicals oxytocin and endorphins, which make one feel good.

Thus, crying is found to help a person sleep better, plus it strengthens the immune system. Hey, maybe being dramatic occasionally could be a form of self-care too? A reminder, though, we are talking of casual tears and not something more serious.

“Why are they more stylish”

This is perhaps a reminder that fashion transcends any age, culture, or status. Maybe just finding one that suits you is good to go. Nevertheless, mom jeans are one fashion style that made its way back to the modern trend.

Mom jeans have excess space in the leg, crotch, and zipper areas. They can range from pleats, tapered legs, ankle-length legs, and waistbands. The most common complementary tops are blouses, sweaters, or any shirt that can be tucked. Many like to hit it with a belt too.

“These bags are getting big”

Sometimes a question is enough to let mothers know you are thinking of them and their wellness. Yet, if you are a partner or a child, there are hundreds of ways to show concern for mothers.

It can be from simple things like listening attentively to her stories, punching some joke lines, or writing a casual love note, or it can be as extreme as surprising her with flowers, preparing a dinner date, or buying her stuff. While we cannot magically erase their eye bags, we can soothe and make the heart happy.

“Well, that’s like, your opinion man”

Listening to children is essential in ensuring they develop into decent human beings. It also fosters trust, confidence, and a stronger bond. Yet, mothers have also mastered the art of knowing when not to listen to their child’s opinions.

After all, when kids throw lines like this, most probably, they are just annoyed at something. Or perhaps they are frustrated for not getting what they want. Whatever the case is, we can be pretty sure moms did it for the betterment of everything.

“Spoiler alert: it’s yours, not mine”

There’s just so much you can do at times like this. You told them, they did not follow, they got hurt, and you will not take the blame. After all, kids are kids, and sometimes their inhibitions reach many ideas.

Ideally, they also have to get hurt and learn from their mistakes. By allowing them to get hurt by themselves sometimes, they learn autonomy and responsibility. Medium also pointed out that it empowers them with a framework for dealing with adversity and conflict in life.

“Why do you do the things you do?”

Women’s Health Magazine has listed tips on telling your partner that he is annoying. Some of them include speaking up fast, being passive-aggressive, taking part of the blame, and insisting to change.

While these things could work, situations like this might call for a different action. With everything going on in their daily activities, sometimes mothers just opt to loathe silently and scream internally. Then try to move on and forget about it the next day. Yet feel free to employ the techniques written above, though.

Next: What is even the point of all this?

“Literally us last night and my husband left me to sleep”

Wired has explained that habitually falling asleep while watching movies could indicate undiagnosed sleep apnea. More especially if it happens constantly and in a variety of settings.

Indeed, that is a helpful fact, but it may not just be the same case with mothers. Most times, the majority reported that they just feel tired after all the activities that day, and when an opportunity to relax came, they could not help but fall asleep. At least they tried enjoying the movie date, though.

“Guilty as charged every single night! That’s mommy’s time”

After a long day, a mom might just need quality time with some movies and snacks. Apart from the relaxing gesture of lying on the couch, watching movies soothe and calm us down. They reduce stress and may even help us turn negative thoughts into positive ones.

California State University also suggested that watching movies is key in increasing our emotional intelligence as we connect to the stories and characters. So it is just understandable why Mommy had to lie sometimes!

“The amount of times I hit rewind on that scene”

The 1990s have seen the rise of the ultimate heartthrob, Jonathan Taylor Thomas. He gained prominence for his performance as Randy Taylor on “Home Improvement” and for lending his voice to young Simba in “The Lion King.”

Jonathan is also referred to as J.T.T. Just by looking at these photos; it is no wonder why women would line up for autographs, show up for events, and keep posters of him on their walls. We guess mothers also have a special spot in their hearts for their special crushes.

“Yeah, life isn’t fair”

Here is a meme that addresses a puzzle among women: why do guys still have better skin even if they use the same towel and soap all over their bodies? Not to mention the amount of body wash, face towels, and skin care routines women had to follow to achieve that flawless look.

If we consult science, this is because men have more collagen in their skin. Collagen keeps the skin tight and firm-looking, making it appear firmer and tighter. Men also have more oil production, making the skin naturally hydrated.

“You’re on fire today”

It is probably easier said than done. Enjoying motherhood sounds like a fun idea; who doesn’t want to keep their children in check always, right? Being able to hold yourself together even in the worst of tantrums your child can throw must be the best thing ever.

However, it does not go easily that way for most moms. Pearlman even wrote that it is okay and normal to be annoyed by parenting, and even by your kids too. Some even reported that they struggle to find joy in parenting.

“If someone tried to abduct them they should act like this”

It is a different thing when kids act up like this when it is just their parents around, but for some mysterious reason, they act up worse when other people are around. Not to mention in public transport where everyone is in a hurry.

Perhaps the best thing a parent can do in situations like this is prepare the kids beforehand. A reminder or serious talk reminding them to be considerate of other people. Or telling them not to stay too active in front of a stranger.

“Lit-rally My Child”

Leaving your kids to their grandparents can go both ways: you have hours off but they come back looking like a boss. Grandparents just love their grandchildren so much that they are willing to provide whatever it asks, well for most people to some extent.

This is important because a closer relationship between grandchildren and grandparents contributes to both their health and well-being. There is a space for genuine acceptance, patience, support, wisdom, and of course, a whole lot of fun!