Am I the Worst Mom on Earth because Sometimes It Feels Like It (You could win a $250 Visa gift card in this post!!!!)

AGGGHHHHH, I am 200% convinced that Zoey is about to get her period because she is acting like such a %$@*&-rag!! Yeah, I know she’s only six, but they say kids are hitting puberty earlier and earlier these days, so she could be, right? Like yesterday I didn’t bring her a snack when I picked her up from school and she basically turned into Cujo and jumped down my throat. I’m like A. I never bring you a snack for the ride home and B. we literally have a 45-second drive from the school to our house, so why would I?

And then yesterday she had her winter concert at school where the kids dress all nicely so she wanted to wear this fancy red dress her grandma got her, but the ribbon was all wrinkled so I ironed it (yes, as in I actually went down to the basement and managed to dig out an iron from 1940). But since I have no idea how to actually use an iron, it must have been too hot and the second the iron touched the ribbon, it basically burst into flames and I made a hole in it. AGGHHHHHH!!!!! She’s going to kill me.

ME: It’s okay, honey, you can’t even see it because I’m going to tie the bow right there.

HER: You are the worst mommy in the whole world and I am going to hate your guts forever and ever!!

No, that’s not exactly what she said, but pretty darn close. Anyways, I suddenly felt like she was right. Am I the worst mommy on earth? I mean someone has to be. Is it possible that it’s me?

I do kinda suck at a lot of things. Like I don’t bring a snack to the carpool. I burned her dress. I forget to make her do her homework all the time. I skip words paragraphs pages when I read to her. I can’t get her to eat anything green. I let her watch way too much TV. I forget to schedule play dates. Etc. etc. etc. I do soooooooo much wrong.

But then we went to the winter concert at her school, and you’re not going to believe what happened. I died of boredom. Kidding. Kind of. But seriously, I’m watching the stage (which is almost impossible to see because A. We didn’t get there at the ass crack of dawn so our seats suck and B. Every parent in front of us is holding up their cell phones to take videos, so if you’re sitting behind them you can’t see jack), and Zoey’s class starts to come out.

Not her, not her, not her, awwwww, they look sooo cute, not her, not her, not her. Where is she? Oh, there she is!! At the end of the line. Holding hands with the little girl in her class who has special needs. It’s not like all the kids are walking in pairs and holding hands. Just Zoey. Like she purposely chose to walk last and hold this sweet girl’s hand. I get choked up. I can barely hold in the tears. I start blinking a lot. THAT is my little girl. That is my AWESOME little girl.

And suddenly I realize something. I might be doing a lot of things wrong, but I’m doing something right. I don’t know what exactly, but something. Maybe I’m actually doing an okay job at this whole parenting thing. One thing’s for sure, I’m NOT the worst mom on earth. Not at all. Phew.

Okay, don‘t stop reading now because this is the part where you can win a $250 Visa gift card!!! No, that is not a typoooooo!!!! 250 smackaroos!!! My awesome friends at Minute Maid and Coca-Cola want us to remember that parenting is hard but that we’re all doing a much better job than we think. It’s a part of their awesome Doin’ Good campaign. Watch this amazing video about a mom who’s doing a better job than she thinks (have a tissue ready) and then keep reading after to learn how you could win!!

Alls you have to do to win this kickass Minute Maid prize pack is comment below or on the Baby Sideburns Facebook page and tell us a quick #doingood story about someone you know who’s doing an awesome job as a parent. It could be yourself (because you ARE), your mom, your dad, your sister, a friend, anyone. I’m gonna randomly pick one of you kickass people to win a Minute Maid prize pack. Eeny meeny miny YOU!! Here are the rules in case you have lots of extra time and feel like reading something boring.

And if you liked this, please don’t forget to press the like and share buttons. Thank you!!!!

This prize was provided by The Coca-Cola Company. The Coca-Cola Company and Fast Horse is not a sponsor, administrator or connected in any other way with this program.




There are 346 comments for this article
  1. Frances at 10:05 am

    My daughter was preemie and I have felt like I was doing it all wrong from day 1, and I still do, but dont worry your kids are happy and healthy, and still alive, so keep up the good work momma!

  2. Katherine at 10:06 am

    Love your blog, there’s so much I can relate to! Thank you for being so real 🙂 my sister in law is my awesome parent hero. She always seems to have endless patience with her 4 kiddos and I’ve never heard her yell at them (which is soooooo hard). I have an 19m old and I’m always asking her for advice! She’s basically my mommy hero!

  3. Pam Benson at 10:08 am

    I’m a good mom…. Both of my kids ate food yesterday that didn’t come out of a can…. And one of them even brushed his teeth!!

  4. April Shanahan at 10:09 am

    I think my new friend Lindsey is a kick as mom. She is a single parent and has to handle daily(and life long) medical isses for one of her young daughters that had cancer last year. Through all of this she always seems so happy and fun!!!

  5. Nicole Petras at 10:10 am

    My mom kicks a*s! I started a new job almost 2 weeks ago and my commute is now an hour and fifteen minutes compared to my previous zero minute or 10 minute commute. My mom didn’t want me to enroll our kids in before school care so she’s been coming over extra early to get them on the bus and to school on time. I don’t know what I’d do without her!!

  6. Kaylor voorhies at 10:11 am

    I had one of these moments! My son has high functioning autism which can mean a lot of behavior issues we tirelessly work to correct, and a real challenge teaching him empathy. A few weeks ago when I dropped him off at school, there was a family moving toward the school including a little girl in a wheelchair. My son ran up to the school and opened the door, holding it open for the family. Tears!! He might have a different understanding of a lot of things, but the good person is in there. I was so proud of him. ?

  7. emily whalen at 10:11 am

    My husband. Because he played Barbies with my 2 girls for half an hour last night after a long day of work and cleaning the kitchen after dinner. He’s a good one.

  8. Lisa Long at 10:11 am

    My nephew’s mom has a newborn and is taking care of her, my autistic nephew and her disabled husband with memory issues all by herself. She has to be a very strong person, I know she gets no time alone and is always doing things for her family. She tries her best to make sure they all have what they need.

  9. Capree at 10:11 am

    I’m going to give a shout out to my husband for a #doinggood story. Recently, our daughter had to be put into a mental health program (this is super-hard for me to admit in public) to help with her social behavior and since then, my husband has seriously stepped up his parenting game. He’s way more attentive to her and has changed his behaviors to help her learn – which is quite a significant feat for him. He loves her so much that he’s willing to change his ways and thinking. It makes my heart so happy!

  10. sarahbeth1125 at 10:12 am

    My sister is a great mom! She is a single mom to two great boys! One of my nephews has epilepsy really bad. I can’t imagine how hard it would be to deal with that alone. I love Baby Sideburns!!

  11. Caitlyn at 10:12 am

    It’s true-just when you are convinced you have done everything wrong, your child will surprise you! My daughter has set up an “early reader” library in her bedroom and has made flash cards to help our neighbor kindergarten friend learn how to read. She has so much patience with her!

  12. Kate Salveson at 10:12 am

    #doinggood is my husband! He is so smart, every night comes up with a new way to practice Math facts with our 8 year old that is on the autism spectrum. It amazes me how quickly my sone has picked up the +1 and +2 facts with my husband pushing him and encouraging different ways to learn them. He’s a really good dad!

  13. Jessica Gordon at 10:12 am

    I hate to give props to myself but I seldom to for anything. However, I would like to nominate myself for kicking cancers A*S this year! I was diagnosed wit ovarian cancer last summer and underwent numerous surgeries and chemo all while raising my 5 year old and 2 year old and maintaining by business! I had lots of help and I’m completely fortunate and blessed for that, but ya know what? I would like to give myself a big ole pat in the back for BEATING cancer!! Us cancer survivors don’t get to talk ourselves up much so I think I can finally say that I deserve something nice for myself… Maybe that sounds selfish, but I don’t care- I have been selfless this year and need to do something for me! Thank you for the chance!

  14. Karin M at 10:13 am

    I constantly feel like the worst parent in the world to my 6 year old twins (boy/girl). But occasionally I see glimpses of the people I am teaching them to be and it makes me think I am not so bad. Like on the first day of school, when the boy was terrified to take the bus to a new school. I was convinced he was not going to get on the bus at all. Then his sister reached out and grabbed his hand, and said, “Let’s Go Benny.” Even though I swear most days they will murder each other before the day is over, when they need each other they are truly there. Or when I buy my kids ice cream (mommy’s favorite) but don’t get any for me….they get to the bottom of their cone, and are just getting into it… and both of them look at me, and say “Mommy, you eat the rest, it’s your favorite.” Every now and then, I think, maybe I am not doing so bad.

  15. Rebecca Leveridge at 10:13 am

    My friend Jennifer V. She is an amazing mom and not only to her own children. She goes above and beyond everyday at her children’s elementary and middle school. She volunteers for anything she can help with. She inspires me to be a better person, and a better mother to my children. She is one of the most kind and patient people I have the pleasure of knowing.

  16. Tiara Law at 10:14 am

    My husband is seriously incredible. Don’t tell him I told you that. I’m always thinking “how in the heck are you being so patient and calm about this?!” when it comes to our kids. Not to mention he shows our kids how a mama deserves to be treated. There isn’t a better parenting trait than that. He’s totally #doingood and winning at this parenting thing!

  17. Kadie Robinson at 10:14 am

    My best friend Caitlin is an awesome mom! Her husband works a lot so she shoulders the burden of all of the household, is raising an AMAZING 5 year old son (who I adore!), and is packing up and selling their house to flow her husband’s career dream on the other side of the country. She inspires me every single day!

  18. MadisonMama at 10:15 am

    My cousin’s kindergarten-age son wet his pants at school for the first time in ages. When asked why he told his mother it was because the day before, his friend had #2’d in his pants at school and wanted to make him feel better. When I heard this story, I cried. I thought it was so sweet and proved to me that my cousin was doing something right!

  19. Elizabeth Bennett at 10:16 am

    My little cousin, Tiffany. She was a very young mom. Grew up in a not so great way, addicts and alcoholics. But she raised her 2 young kids and she graduated from high school. Now she’s 25 with 4 fantastic kiddos that are doing so awesome!

  20. lisa Gardner at 10:16 am

    I’d like to mention my mother-in-law. Not only did she raise three great people but now watches all of her grandchildren every day so we all have a safe and healthy place to bring our kids. She is tireless and loving to all of them. I hope she knows how much we appreciate her 🙂

  21. Jenni at 10:16 am

    My kids and I visited a food bank. I felt like my son was being a typical four year old and wiggling and fidgeting and lot paying attention to the tour guide at all. I was feeling frustrated because we were having a week of terrible behavior and lots of time outs and he couldn’t even be calm for a quick little tour. Then on the way home he asks if we can just have all the hungry kids over for dinner and can the ones without beds sleepover? And my heart burst. He might be a fidgety 4 yr old but it’s sinking in. I’m doing something right to raise such a kind compassionate little man.

  22. Chelsea Freeman at 10:17 am

    My mom is and will always be the best mom. She is always there for me when I need her the most. I love her so much <3

  23. Jennifer Borgaard at 10:17 am

    My husband is a daddy who is doing something right. He was diagnosed this year with an adult form of muscular dystrophy, yet that hasnt stopped him from being here. Taking kids to school, coaching sporting things, being the same amazing man he has always been.

  24. Jen M at 10:18 am

    Currently, my husband is kicking *ss as a dad… I’m pregnant with my second and he’s really stepped up his game, taking care of our first and being super patient with me. Which is a miracle since I’ve been super crazy this time around.

  25. Elysa at 10:18 am

    My best friend Katie is. Warrior mom! She raises her three kids alone due to having an addict husband. She has a 5yr old, 4yr old and a 1yr old. The older two are autistic. But her 4yr old has more problems than 1. She was born with Chiari Malformation, and a few months ago we found out she had an arachnoid cyst on her spine the size of a baseball, after several tests, MRIs and CT scans she finally had surgery to remove it. With her love of Spider-Man she always said he was running around in her back and it hurts and can’t wait until the doctors take him out. After the surgery she felt better for a few days and then started to complain of headaches, after more tests and MRIs she was diagnosed with having spinal fluid in her brain and chemical meningitis. If the fluid doesn’t go away she then needs to get surgery to put shunts in her brain. With all this going on all Katie could do was feel defeated. She never let it show to her other two kids. Her oldest went to school and told everyone in his class he needs people to pray for his little sister so she can get better and play with him again. While making her Christmas list her daughter said the normal things like Spider-Man, Batman and then she said she wanted to feel better so mommy wasn’t sad anymore. Her kids are fantastic and so is she!

  26. Lindsey Hausknecht at 10:18 am

    My sister…raising 3 kids, two of whom are type 1 diabetics. Basically doing it on her own while going thru a divorce. So much strength!

  27. Dolly at 10:18 am

    We all think we are the worst at some point but these little things reassure us were not. Keep on doing what it is you’re doing.

  28. Julie at 10:18 am

    I do, or have done, every single “sucky” thing in paragraph #6, so I am the choir to your song. But when asked what was most important to him at Christmas, instead of saying “PRESENTS!” like I feared/expected, the sweet man/child immediately answered “being with my family and friends.” Once I picked myself off the floor, I decided I must be doing some parts of the mom thing right!

  29. Wendy Diede at 10:19 am

    I’m going to toss myself into the ring. Because like many moms I feel like I should be doing better at so many parts of parenting. I have those moments of well I’m doing something right as my eyes well up with tears on occasion and it makes it all better until the crazy comes out again a few seconds later. Here’s a couple. My daughter who just turned three helped me go thru her toys to choose some to give to a family who’s home had burns down. She asked some questions and although it was a bit hard for her at first she got into the spirit and made some very sweet choices based on what she thought they might like. My daughter is a little care taker in general. She always makes sure her little brother has everything she does. You know snacks, drinks, and of course stickers at every store we go to. Well it’s rubbing off on him. Now when he raids the snack drawer, ok the rasin drawer since that’s all that’s in there, he makes sure to bring her a box as well. I should add he’s only 19 months and already being a gentleman and taking care of his sister. They will both randomly go up to each other and me and give hugs and kisses. They may drive me to the edge and make me that crazy mom that yells at times, which I totally can not stand, but man they make me so very proud of the little people they are becoming. Good luck to all the awesome parents and thank you baby sideburns ? And Minute Maid also

  30. Erin at 10:19 am

    I think my mom is the best mom she has been going through cancer treatments sense August she is so strong she never complains and is super woman. Not even her own sickness keeps her from taking care of her kids my brother was in a horrific car accident in July and even tho she is going through the battle of her life she has found the strength to take care of her son. From being at his bed side while he is in a coma to rehab and living with her. He has a broken neck, a broken hip and a broken knee nothing has stopped her from battle for her self and for him she is true ply amazing and never takes the credit for raising 3 wonderful kids, I strive to be the best mom like she is.

  31. Kristen at 10:20 am

    I’m expecting my first baby on Christmas so I don’t know what kind of mom I’ll be. But I have to give a huge shout out to my mom, who will be ditching my dad for 5 months to stay with us to take care of the baby so we can delay having to use daycare. Her love is so unconditional, it’s awesome.

  32. Danielle at 10:20 am

    I often feel like I’m failing…not raising my 5 year old to be empathetic, generous, or selfless. Then one day last week I pick her up and she’s telling me about her day….There’s this boy in her class who is working on some boundary/hands to ourself issues….so she gets in the car and tells me about how she “decided that *boy* is only mean because he is sad….”see Mommy he is mean then no one wants to play with him so he gets really sad and then hits or cries. So I decided to be his friend and sit by him at circle time and play with him at recess. He was so nice all day and now were bestest friends!” I AM raising her good, she saw her friend was hurting and sad so she made an effort to help him. 🙂

  33. Ashley K at 10:20 am

    I have always thought my parents did a great job raising my brother sister and myself. I know it was not always easy. My mom worked 2 jobs, my dad worked for the state doing roadwork so he putt in many hrs a day. Winters we wouldn’t see him for days on end because he had to plow snow. A few Christmas were put on hold for whenever he could make it home long enough so we could celebrate as a family. All 3 of us played a sport or scouts at some point. But they always made it happen.
    When I was a young teen and my siblings in HS they made the hard choice to move thousands of miles away because they thought it was best for the family. But all 3 of us kids were very upset and made it known we did not want to move and were not happy. I am sure we did not make it easy on them. We moved thousands of miles away where we knew noone. Had no family or friends around and living in a hotel room for a week or so till we found a place to rent.
    All 3 of us kids are now adults and look back and thank them for that move. We all believe it made us better people in the end. It was never easy but my parents were and still always there for us.

  34. Colleen at 10:20 am

    I feel like I am failing every day at this parenting thing. I have three boys. I recently went back to school so I am not home a lot. My husband plays Mr. Mom and the kids have developed such a bond with him. I love to see them so close but not going to lie part of me is jealous. My friend who is a mom of 4, which includes a set of triplets seems to #doinggood. She is always organized, her kids eat healthy foods, watch minimal television, and play so well with each other. I have never seen her loose patience in the crazy situations.

  35. Karen at 10:21 am

    I have 3 kids. Two boys, almost 16 and 12, and a girl who’s 3 1/2. I may not be the best mom, but everyone is taken care of and they are all good kids. They drive me nuts, but they are good kids.

  36. Tasha Borgaila at 10:21 am

    My dad is my Parent Hero! My mom passed away from Breast Cancer when I was 11 years old. I have one older sister & two younger sisters. My dad raised FOUR girls on his own. To this day my dad thinks he did everything wrong, but he absolutely did everything right. At one point we were all teenagers and my dad survived that all on his own. My dad struggled daily to try to understand us. There were lots of fights, tears, and eye rolling. But there was also so much laughter & love. Would it have been easier to go to a mom for our “girl problems”? Absolutely. But my dad never once complained about a 10pm run to Kroger for tampons 🙂

  37. Miranda Jordan at 10:22 am

    I had my first little AHole at 19….surprise!! We forgot to tell you at the pharmacy that antibiotics and bc do not mix well. Happiest surprise if my life! Anywho….I raised him basically in my own for 10 years. And…he…is…great! My husbamd adopted him, he gets goood grades, he’s kind yadayadayada.

    My 2nd little Ahole is why $250 would be great….for me. A. He just turned 4 (4 days ago) and we are both still alive. B. 4 sucks eggs…really…4 days in and I’m longing for 2.

    Miranda

  38. Kelly at 10:22 am

    I know a lot of awesome moms with kind, caring, respectful kids, myself included. Too many to pick just one.

  39. Barbara at 10:22 am

    My mom is an awesome parent and grandparent! Two days ago, she drove an hour and a half to my house to watch my toddler so I could go to the dentist. She is so selfless and generous.

  40. brooke at 10:22 am

    I want to give a huge shout out to my step dad. He came into our lives when I was 7 and well… I didn’t make things easy on him. I may have been a little %$@*&-rag. Okay… I totally was. Anyway, he didn’t have to love me. And no one would have blamed him if he didn’t. Fast forward 27 years. On Monday, he picked up my mini-van and took it to have a remote starter put in for me. He did it because we live in Indiana and he didn’t want me shlepping his grandkids and myself out in the cold in the mornings. This man went from being some guy my mom dragged in to my weekday dad to a great friend and now an amazing grandpa. I honestly don’t know how we would do it without him. We are so insanely lucky that he put up with all of my crap all of those years. For someone who didn’t have to love me, he’s #doingood.

  41. Jennifer Reykjalin at 10:22 am

    I feel you’re pain… my kids are the pickiest eaters, don’t eat enough “good” food, most times sleep in my bed (because I’m tired & don’t want to fight because I have to work in the morning), watch TV…. but when I see them being social & looking out for each other.. I think to myself “maybe they will turn out alright”… you’re posts & book rock 🙂

  42. Kayla at 10:22 am

    My sister in law Nicole is amazing. She works full-time, has two kids, a wonderful husband, and a mom recovering from a stroke that happened in the summer. Even on the days that I think she couldn’t possibly do more she surprises me and does something amazing with her family, like a special trips to zoos or amusement parks, or to see Christmas light shoes. Her amazing parenting is accompanied by wonderful friendships, if she has a coworker that needs a day off for whatever reason she’ll fill in for them, and she works in retail so that is truly friendship. When I was pregnant both times if I ever needed help or a ride to the doctors or a shoulder to cry on she was there for me. When I wanted to see my father for the first time in 5 years she drove me to see him, when my mother died she shared in my grief and filled in as a motherly supportive role. I just can’t stay enough good about her, she’s always positive and loving, just the type of person it’s a joy to be around.

  43. Jackie at 10:22 am

    My friend Crystal is an amazing parent. She is currently battling Stage 4 Mestatic Breast Cancer. She has never lost hope, never stopped fighting, and won’t until she beats this. She is a stay at home Mom, who is doing an at home business so that her family doesn’t fall behind on bills from her loss of income during treatments. Even through all of this she still manages to attend all of her children’s school/sports events, take care of her family, and be an all around amazing person.

  44. Marnie at 10:22 am

    My friend is currently dealing with her second preemie child. NICU life is tough – I’ve been there. When you’re in it it’s the worst though and she needs to be reminded of what a rockin’ job she is doing and that NONE OF THIS IS HER FAULT!!!

  45. chantel at 10:23 am

    When my daughter was in 3rd grade I got a message from a mom from her class .As I dialed I was nervous.
    All I could think was what happened now.
    The mom told me her daughter was being bullied at school on the playground and my daughter walked up told the girls who were doing the bullying, who turns out, were her friends, to knock it off. My daughter then took her to another part of the playground and hung out with her.
    The mom told me how wonderful it was and how I was parenting right. I cried for about an hour and hugged my daughter extra tight.

  46. Jann at 10:24 am

    My husband is on permanent disability and has been a SAHD to both of our daughters since they were born (5 and 2 yo). Although he never ever signed up for it and never wanted to do anything other than work and take care of his family, he takes care of them and tries his best every day to love them and be there for them and put their needs first, even when he’s feeling so sick and just wants to sleep. Even though he was terrified, he’s #doinggood at this whole parenting thing!

  47. Alicia Miller at 10:24 am

    My mom is the best parent I know! She was a single mom raising 3 kids, worked 3 jobs and went to school, while also always managing to be there for every important event in her kids lives. She always remained kind, patient, loving and supportive. She is my best friend and truly one of the best people I’ve ever known. She is also now an amazing grandma and I only hope to be as wonderful of a mother to my kids as she is to me.

  48. Crystal Renaud at 10:25 am

    That video had me crying. #beingamomishard !!!! This is the toughest, most heart wrenching, selfless, and amazing job I have ever had, I am so lucky to be surrounded by so many other mommies who help me share this journey. We are all #doinggood !!

  49. ldubya at 10:25 am

    I am a first time mom and I think every parent always asks themselves am I doing a good job at being a parent? There is no rule book. My child is my first priority in life. I do my best to keep my little preschooler moving forward in this crazy world. I have her involved with as much as I can to keep stimulating her growing brain but I also keep in mind that she needs time to just be a kid. I keep in mind that she mimics what she sees, and understands more than I would expect. I continuously remind myself that I am her role model and I am not perfect but I will to do my best to be an example to her as a strong woman.#doingood

  50. Rebecca Marion at 10:25 am

    My sister, who only adopts kids with special needs. Currrently she has two boys, one from China with no hands or feet and one from Ethiopia with spina bifida. She also has three amazing kids that she gave birth to

  51. Sarah at 10:25 am

    I’m a good mom because while going thru chemo this past year my children’s lives did not change. I still took them to daycare everyday, went to work, and cooked them dinner and put then to bed every night. It wasn’t easy, but they deserved some normalcy even if in the wake of my medical issues.

  52. Callie at 10:25 am

    My kids are 2 and 4. My 4 yr old is the typical drama queen who is always bossing and picking fights with her little brother. He is just finally starting to talk so doesn’t stand up for himself, just goes with the flow. I asked her what she asked Santa for when we saw him at the library. She said pop the pig. Then she whispered “I also asked him for a blaze car and miles from tomorrowland toy for Rocky but don’t tell, it’s a secret. He will be so surprised!”

  53. Crystal at 10:25 am

    A friend of mine is amazing because she does everything she can for her three girls… Including her most recent ‘fun’ of catching her nanny on nanny cam spike her 2 year old in her crib on several occasions. She didn’t choke the nanny! She reposted it to the police and got her sweet baby bean checked for EVERYTHING. All while stil making sure the oldest made to drama camp and the middle never missed a soccer game. What a badass. #doinggood

  54. Fiona Pitman at 10:25 am

    My cousin Vanessa is #doinggood. No matter what life throws at her, she continues to adapt. As of this summer she’ll have 4 kiddos under the age of 6 and she continues to adapt, rearrange, and not just make-do, but make-awesome for her family. She teaches each of her kids in their individual needed ways, she manages a business while managing her family and is a wonderful wife and mother. It is hard on her and she worries that she’s not as good as she should be but I wish she knew how amazing she is and what a great example she is to her family and to so many others who see what she does!

  55. Miranda at 10:26 am

    I try to be a good mom to my 3 kiddos. My husband and I work full time outside the home, so we feel like we don’t always get to spend enough time with them. If one of us has to make a quick trip to the store we let one of the kids come with us for some one on one time. We rotate every trip so no one feels left out.

  56. Danielle at 10:27 am

    My friend told me today that although her kid is being as much of a cranky pants as mine she got through a whole day without yelling. I was like, you’re my hero as I don’t think I can do that. But now she has motivated me to do the same and try my hardest even when my kids are the biggest cranky pants! #doingood

  57. Sarah at 10:27 am

    My friend Lisa is a single mom and an amazing mother, sister, friend. She is also a mother to all the MPHS students she’s had for the past twenty years. I don’t know where she gets her energy and drive, but I’ve loved her for it since we met freshmen year in college. Mwah, Lisa. You are #doingood like nobody’s business!

  58. Kristi at 10:28 am

    Some days i feel like I juat dont get this parenting thing… and then my children will do something amazing that makes me realize that I must be doing something right. For example my middle child came to me to tell me that she was upset because she was not being a good example for her friends, and she wants to be a better person, like they are. It was sweet that she realized her actions affect those around her.
    #doingood

  59. Kirsten at 10:28 am

    My husband does a great job. I’ve had a shower everyday since our 4 and half month old was born. Sometimes I shower twice a day and he entertains the baby the entire time. I think I would lose my mind without a shower, and the baby is super attached to me so this is no easy feat for him.

  60. Misti at 10:28 am

    My friend Mary is an awesome parent! Her husband is deployed and she does everything for her 5 kiddos and her foreign exchange student all while suffering from some serious health issues. She rocks!

  61. Maggie at 10:28 am

    My mom is my mama role model. No matter how tough things get for our family, she never wavers in her support. Her selflessness is astounding.

  62. Heidi Sobota Daroca at 10:29 am

    I feel like I fail my kids all the time. I forget to sign test papers, I forget to study. I feel really bad when they get in trouble at school for something I forgot to do. The other day my 9 year old came home from school and grabbed me and held me tight. I was so happy. He said mom you are the best mom ever and I love you very much. It was so awesome because I didn’t do anything at that moment to deserve that. It was just freely given so I figure I must be doing something right. Baby sideburns you are awesome. I love reading your posts.

  63. manda at 10:29 am

    I have a friend Jessica. She is amazing!!. She has 4 adopted kids 3 from the same drug addicted woman. Because they were born adicted and the birth mom used the whole pregnancy they are all special needs in differant ways. The older wad the worse addicyed and will never beable to live alone or control her bowels. These kids are Jessica’s world.
    Actually all kids are. She is also an advocate for adoption and has fiund jome for countless number of kids. Plus she is a family lawyer. She helps protect them and get tjem iut of bad situations. So in my book…she is the best mom ever to so many many kids.

  64. Vanessa Turner at 10:30 am

    My sister does not have any of her own children but she was the step mommy to a wonderful little girl for 4 years while she was with the girls father. They recently split up but my sister continues to spend her weekends with this little girl. She loves her like she is her own daughter and refuses to disappear from her life. I’m so proud of my sister for her love and dedication to a child who isn’t her own. This little girl has become part of our family and my own kids love her a the cousin that she has been and will continue to be. Extended family can mean anything!

  65. sandi.benoit@gmail.com at 10:30 am

    As you guide your kids through life, as a parent you think your doing a really crummy job at parenting. The back talk, not cleaning up after themselves, Running them to baseball, softball, karate and band practices/functions. Volunteering left and right at school. Then there’s driving them 6 hours one way to their university and getting them set up in their dorm rooms. Then driving back and forth to the university to see any and all band functions…..It’s like it’s “expected of you” You always wonder if your “doing it right!” and if your #DoingGood.
    Now that their grown and have families of their own, you see them in “action” as parents. You see them carrying on family traditions that you really didn’t think they were paying attention way back when. But, as I sit back and look at the life my two children are living….(one is a high school math teacher and the other a software analyst) I had to do something right!! I’m not a single parent but my husband was in the military and when he got out, he worked long and hard for his family and the kids were “My department!” While doing it, you think your doing such a lousy job, but when they’re our on their own and couldn’t make you prouder…You know your #DoingGood!!!

  66. Whitney Mihalik at 10:30 am

    My mom was the best mom. She was a single parent and then married my step-father. But it wasn’t an easy relationship or home life and she never ever stopped sticking up for us and fighting for us, even when it hurt. And I love her so much for that!! 🙂

  67. Carly at 10:30 am

    Recently my husband lost his job and we lost our house and had to move everyone 1500 miles back to where we came from to start from scratch all over again. When things get really hard and you barely have enough money for groceries and you can’t buy your children new shoes for school because things are just that bad you really start to question everything you’ve done and are doing. You wonder if they are really going to be ok and if this is going to scar them forever and you cry and you cry and you just ask why!? But then you sit down and hold them close and see how loving and happy they are just to be with you and have a loving family to count on and you realize everything is going to be ok. Maybe not today or tomorrow or even next week, but eventually everything will get better and as long as we are together we can get through anything.

  68. Jennifer C at 10:31 am

    My best friend Britta Kelly is the best Mom. When I am complaining about how my kids don’t do x,y,z yet/correctly or if I’m frustrated by something they did/didn’t do, she always reminds me that time with them is short and to cherish the moments. She reads her boys a million books a night, takes them fun places, and holds down the fort while her husband is battling terminal cancer. Britta deserves all the recognition in the world!!

  69. Stacy Arnett at 10:31 am

    I need to give myself a shout out because well, no one else is going to do it. So I will toot my own horn. I am #doinggood at what I am doing because even if I curse out of frustration… take a 5 minute wine break while my kids stare mindlessly at the TV… my kids can recognize the good that other people do.
    There is a man that picks up trash on the side of the road/ bridge where we live. We drive by this man almost every day… rain or shine he is out there pick up trash. I pointed him out one day and told my kids that is what you call a “good Samaritan.” The other week my 3 year the other day pointed at the man as we drove by and said “there’s the good guy!”
    So even when I yell, spank and send my kids to time out… they may think I am the bad guy, but at least they can recognize the good that others do. So, for that I am #doinggood.

  70. Stacie at 10:31 am

    My bestie is one of those people who make you want to be a better person. People are naturally drawn to her. She’s the same way as a parent. She honest to God loves every minute with her girls. She inspires me to be a better mom. She has recently seperated and even through all the bullshit her husband has pulled, her girls see none of it in her. I wish she knew what an amazing parent (and influence) she is!

  71. Jennifer C at 10:32 am

    #DoingGood is what Britta Kelly does best!!

  72. Amanda Hubbard at 10:33 am

    My sister in law is an awesome mommy. My brother passed away December 21st,2014 from a self inflicted gunshot to the hea . He suffered from PTSD after serving in Iraq. My sister in law was completely devastated,heartbroken. You name it,she was feeling it. He left behind her and their two boys,ages 6 and 10. Though she was suffering a great loss,she still managed to put a smile on her face just 3 days later(Christmas) so that her boys could enjoy their Christmas. She placed my brother photo on top of the tree(Their angel) and she told them he was with them. Her strength had been amazing through all of this. She continues to be an amazing mother and reminds them of memories everyday.

  73. Amanda at 10:34 am

    I have a friend that home schools her 8 and 4 year olds, is potty training her 3 year old, and just had a beautiful baby. She totally puts her kids first, but she is honest enough about the stress of being a kick a*s mom that she doesn’t make the rest of us feel inadequate. She actually goes out if her way to encourage and raise up other moms.

  74. nicole at 10:34 am

    I would like to take a minute to put my kickass self on a pedestal. last night, my daughter, who just turned 2, was coughing so hard in her sleep, I knew what was coming next. I grabbed a bucket and booked it down the hall way. long story short, vomit was flying. it was everywhere. not once did I gag or get all dramatic (anyone who knows me, knows this is a HUGE deal), instead, I just held her. and rocked. and took advantage of the fact that, even know it wasnt willingly, my not so baby anymore, baby, was giving me cuddles in between horrendous gags ♡ it was that moment I realized it didnt matter anymore that her jammies didnt match(halloween bottoms, christmas top. really, kid!?), or that she refused to eat her ham at dinner (thank god, btw), but that she knows im always here for her. im here for her to throw toys at, kick, laugh with, and I will ALWAYS be here to sit on the floor with her late at night, rocking and holding her hair, while she is puking her guts out. forever.

  75. ALYSHA at 10:34 am

    I always love the quote “behind every awesome child is a mom who thinks she’s doing it all wrong”
    There’s times when I think I’m doing it allllll wrong. But then I look at my kids, who are so great, just like you did and think – I am SO doing something right.
    I am in full time school (distance education) and also work from home full time. I tried to be home to be there for my kids but realized… wow.. I am pretty absent still even when working and doing school from home. It’s hard to manage my time and my kids are not getting any younger. Makes me very sad. But I try my best and must be doing okay since my kids are turning out great.

  76. nyankton at 10:35 am

    #doingood I totally get the entire post. My 4 year old girl is a pure diva. She tells me she is moving out all the time. Where does she get this crap. I really laughed out loud and teared up with this post. Thank you for reminding us that we are all human. I feel like I am failing every day practically.
    My kids do swim lessons. My daughter cries every time she goes into the room without me. I feel like a j**k, but I want her to learn. Last week, she swam on her back with no support. I cheered out loud. Yep, I am that parent. #embarrassing She came out of class cheering too. Very proud day.

  77. Jodi at 10:36 am

    My sister is amazing. She has 3 children, another due in February. Her oldest has special needs and she manages to home school and take care of the household. She is totally amazing and I call her for advice all the time!

  78. Kristin Christensen at 10:36 am

    I love when my husband plays with our 2 girls. He works overnights and sleeps during the day. That makes weekends extra special in our house. He plays cars, puts together puzzles, wrestles and just makes them laugh.

  79. Amy (Ya-Ya) at 10:36 am

    First, YAY Zoey for being awesome, definite proud Mom moment there.

    Ok, so I’m going to give this a shot. I nominate …. ME….

    I raised my three girls as a single parent and yes, probably questioned every decision, every moment, and always felt like it wasn’t enough. Trying to be Mom and Dad to three girls is not easy, and i have some amusing memories of them coming home with Fathers day cards that they insisted to their teachers they needed to make for their “Mom”. They are all grown up now and taking on the world in their own unique ways. I hope that i gave them, if not all that they wanted, but, what they needed……and that they continue to be strong, independent women who know they were always loved.

    Just when i thought my life as a full time Mom was just about done, the universe had a surprise in store. So, for the last four years, I’ve now been raising my granddaughter full time. She is an amazing little being and at 7 years old is one of the funniest people i know. She is insightful, smart and a true blessing. We have had so many funny exchanges in the last 7 years, but, recently had one of my faves. She was getting ready to head off on a sleepover at her Nana’s with her Dad.

    Her: I wanna just stay here with you……

    Me: But, you’ll have fun at Nana’s…

    Her: No, there’s no kids for me to play with

    Me: Well, Daddy will be there, won’t he play with you?

    Her: Daddy is not a kid…..

    Me: What, and I am (a kid)?

    Her: um….YES, Duh!

    I love the fact that she sees me that way, she knows the rules and knows I’m the boss and all that, she has to listen and do as she’s told….but, that when it comes to playing, we are equals. <3

    Reminds me of this quote : “Why do they treat us like children? they said & I said why do you treat them like adults? & their eyes opened wide & they began to laugh & talk all at once & suddenly everything looked possible again.”
    ― Brian Andreas, Trusting Soul : Collected Stories & Drawings

  80. Monica Rowe at 10:36 am

    My husband and I nursed our three month old daughter through pertussis together! We rock! #doingood

  81. Michele Bergman at 10:37 am

    When I have a parent teacher conference and the teachers comment that my son is polite, helpful and kind I feel like I am doing something right. I try to remember that when I want to pull my hair out !! 🙂

  82. Stefanie at 10:38 am

    My friend is an awesome mom. Her son was born at 26 weeks premature in November after having 3 miscarriages and an adoption fall through. Her sweet boy lived for 4 short days before passing. I have no idea how she has the strength to get out of bed each day. And although her baby only had a short life, she is still a mom. If I won I’d love to take her for a spa day!

  83. Sarah at 10:38 am

    My cousin is an awesome mom – I’m constantly jealous of the awesome things she does and want to do them with my daughter. She’s super creative with her kiddos and makes raising 2 (and pregnant with the 3rd!) look easy. I aspire to be like her – she’s one of the good ones who doesn’t judge you but is happy to share all her great stuff!

  84. Bobbie Jo Branson at 10:39 am

    I love your blog, it helps me feel like a normal parent. Like not everyone always has it all together all the time. Right now I feel like a pretty awesome parent, my oldest son is 2 hours away for college and he’s actually doing good – he has an apartment with 2 roomates, a job, and goes to classes – he makes me feel like I’ve actually done something right. My 3 younger boys are still at home driving me crazy on a regular basis.

  85. Stephanie S at 10:39 am

    I feel like I’m doing a horrible job as a mother. My youngest son is 2 and doesn’t really talk, my oldest son is not doing well in school and we still don’t find the time to do homework, I’m forcing my oldest daughter to stay in cheer even though she doesn’t enjoy it and my youngest daughter watches you tube kids every single free minute she gets. But then I remember that we show them they are loved. We hug them and tell them what we love about them daily, try and give them confidence while not being entitled, teach empathy and forgiveness and despite all my faults my kids are turning into some amazing people and I get to take some credit there! And that’s #doinggood 🙂

  86. Lauren at 10:39 am

    Thank you so much for this blog and events like this! It helps so much to know that you’re not alone and that no matter how together other parents look from the outside, on the inside we’re all worried that we’re doing it wrong! My sister-in-law is #doinggood with her new baby. It’s her first and she made the decision to stay home full time with him. She’s doing so much good with him every day, making good memories and staying positive.

  87. Brandi at 10:40 am

    My amazing parents are taking our whole family on a cruise for Christmas! They have worked hard their entire lives to be able to do this! They were married at 16 and 18 and have kicked b**t together ever since. They are amazing role models! They are the best!

  88. Jamie at 10:40 am

    My husband is awesome!! If it weren’t for him I’d probably be in a looney bin! He’s always there for both kids, playing ball or barbies whichever activity the kids are doing at the moment.

  89. Cindy Montiel at 10:40 am

    My Mom is the best Mom I know. She raised 5 kids and is strong. I don’t think I could be the Mom I am without her guidance. And that she is always a phone call away to help me out any any crazy situations.

  90. Darlene Lafalce at 10:40 am

    I’m a good mom, my adult sons are all ok!

  91. Mary burkemper at 10:41 am

    I am just like you. Except my crotch muffins are almost 15 and 12. I have always worked full time, I have been going to school to get a degree for the past 4 years and I cry at least once a month because I’m a terrible mom. I don’t cater to their every whim. I make them do chores and walk to school and learn to take care of themselves, because frankly I’m not always there to do it. My daughter is now an honor roll student in freshmen year. She plays mine craft with a special needs kid online because he’s so sweet. My son is the most caring, honest kid you’ve ever met and loves animals more than anything. They are both amazing kids. I am always surprised when other moms praise me on my kids. At my worst moments when I’m hating myself, I have to look at them in awe and say I didn’t do so bad!

  92. Kesha at 10:41 am

    I think my Aunt Melissa is a kick a*s mom. She sacrifices so much for her boys. She is a single mom and will give anyone the shirt off her back. She is an amazing women and deserves the world.

  93. Amy manning at 10:41 am

    I was a teen mom when my daughter was born. At our first pediatrician appointment I cried because I thought I had been burping her too hard because she had a bruise on her back. The doctor came in and chuckled and told me it was okay, it was just a birthmark. My little baby is 18 and just got accepted to her first choice college yesterday.

  94. Amber hyatt at 10:42 am

    My son is on the ASD. I’m constantly sure I’ve failed him because while he is 16 and drives, works does all the things we were not sure he would do, he still lacks a lot of empathy. A lot of children on the spectrum are usually self centered. It’s not their fault, it’s their wiring. But I feel like I could have done more. It seemed all he Cared about was his Xbox. Until his, ard meeting. I found out my son, who is in all mainstream classes, was instrumental in helping organize the special needs talent show at the high school. He had also been advocating for other teens with autism. My heart was full, he did get it, but he never bragged about it because to him it was just the right thing to do. I must not be failing.

  95. Melissa Jonczak at 10:42 am

    I love your blog, I can relate to a lot of your post. I think my mom did an amazing job as single parent. I guess learned from the best because even though I think I suck at this mom thing, my daughter preschool teacher just told me what a great job I am doing. Apparently my daughter is known as the mom of class she is nice to everybody and even makes a point of finding the children who are being ignored by everyone else and plays with them.

  96. min at 10:43 am

    I have a “new” friend, Stephanie, who has 4 kids under 4 (including a set of twins.) She often holds playdates and has a fresh baked treat for the kids. She’s my hero! She doesn’t care how her house looks when we walk in (always cleaner then mine) and will fight with us if we start to clean up. She’s the best!

  97. Rebecka A at 10:43 am

    This is the sweetest! I think we all feel the same way from time to time… it’s hard to always be on top of everything and be super mom. Even though we all wish we could…. I would have to say my dad is my parent hero! My mom split we I was 16. My brother was 12 and my sister was 11. My dad had been the “breadwinner”. He didn’t even know our birthdays… when my mom left, he didn’t hesitate to step up and be our mom and dad!! He worked from 6 in the morning until late at night. Cooked dinner every night and made sure we made it to school. I was going to school, working, and helping my dad with my brother and sister since he worked all day. We haven’t seen my mom in 11 years and we have an irreplaceable relationship with our dad! My dad has been on his own since he was 12, was in Vietnam, raised 7 children, and still works construction at the age of 60! Basically he is a bad a*s!! Thank you for your blogs! I am sure my dad thought he was messing it all up too!!!

  98. Lindsay Roche at 10:44 am

    My mom is the most awesome mom ever and the best part is she doesn’t even know it. She lost her mother at a very young age, had my brother at 16 (with no guidance), went through two horrible marriages, raised us as a single hard working parent, and NEVER gave up! She’s not just my parent hero, but my hero in all ways. She raised us on her own with no help. Having two kids of my own now, I’m not sure how she did it. It takes a special kind of person to keep getting knocked down and to always keep getting back up. She amazing and I’m forever proud of her for all that she is and for all that she does.

  99. Laurie at 10:45 am

    Every night before bed I tell my son to pick up his toys. Usually he just watches as I put them away and then takes them back out of the bins. Imagine my surprise when his daycare teacher said he is the ONLY kid who cleans up at the end of playtime!

  100. siobhan kelly at 10:45 am

    My daughter said she “wished mommy were nicer ” after a particularly bad potty training day (pretty sure I scarred her for life). But she can read at 3 so I’m doing something right.

  101. Tina at 10:45 am

    My mother in law. She raised her 2 boys and they turned into amazing dads. She is the Rock of the family and would give you the shirt off if her back if you needed it.

  102. Meredith Bippen at 10:45 am

    My son was in the hospital for 2 weeks over the summer with unexplained seizures. Hardest time of our lives. But he’s doing great now (had 2 seizures last week.) I would do anything for my kids!

  103. Katie Schortgen at 10:45 am

    I am totally not trying to kick a*s, but I think you are a great Mom! Knowing that I am not alone in my day to day struggles makes life easier! 🙂 Thank you!

  104. Elisha Z at 10:45 am

    I had a giant proud mama moment last night when my 8-year-old daughter snuck down to the family room to wrap the gifts she MADE for her Daddy, sister, brother and me. I may not be able to be a SAHM like I’d like, volunteer at every PTA function, and sometimes I make them miss swim practice or youth group because I’m just to tired to drive any more, but I obviously did something right to have kids with such big hearts!

  105. Elizabeth at 10:45 am

    My sister is doing an amazing job with her almost ten year old daughter. My nieces birthday is just before Christmas, and the tradition started that rather than have a birthday party where she receives gifts, they throw a party where they collect donations for charity. My niece so far has collected for Toys for Tots, canned goods for the food pantry, food and blankets for the local animal shelter, and books for her local library. This year she is collecting for a horse sanctuary, which is very near and dear to her heart. We Are all so proud!

  106. Marie at 10:46 am

    My stepdaughter has behavioral health issues and she is often really mean to the people around her (especially her dad) because she’s angry almost all the time, but my neighbor Kim works on her so often, drives her to church, and has her over all the time to hang out with her two girls. She’s a lifesaver, especially since she can really turn our daughter around and cheer her up and send her home able to be kind and respectful again for a while. I hope her girls grow up as great as she is – they’re already pretty good! #doingood

  107. Holly at 10:46 am

    I’m going to nominate my friend Kathleen Smith. Her son Joey is 10 and he asked his mom and dad to instead of buying him presents this year, if they could buy presents and adopt a less fortunate family to give them too! He also asked that if he could “Ask Santa” to deliver any presents to a Children’s hospital. So Kathleen and Tim (Joey’s mom and dad), have done just that. They adopted a family and have been buying gifts for them and they also rallied some of their friends and neighbors to the cause. It looks like they will be able to donate to more than one family and Tim and Joey are also going to dress up and deliver gifts to a local hospital. So hats off to Kathleen (and Tim, too) as they are definitely doing something right!

  108. Cindy Lahey at 10:47 am

    There are times I feel like I fail every day.. we wake up late for school, almost miss the bus, barely eat breakfast, argue over homework, fight over dinner.. It feels like some days are a never ending battle but being a single mother isn’t an easy thing. Then there are days when my son tells me he is happy even though he doesn’t have a father, that at least he has me. Everything else doesn’t matter anymore. I am doing something right.

  109. Nicole Gardner at 10:47 am

    Love your blog for being so real! There are so many moms i know doing a great job but my best friend is amazing. she has 5 kids and number 6 is on the way, she works full time but always has time for what they need. She never seems to lose her cool. She is there for homework, morning routines and bed time. She does it all. she is amazing!!!!

  110. Sarah at 10:49 am

    My mom is doing an awesome job! From the time I was born my mom raised my sister and I as a single mom. Even though my sister and I are grown up now she still looks out for us, calls us everyday and is always there when we need her. On top of this she has been taking care of my grandfather who has dementia since 2005. Along with all of this, her husband (my step dad of 6 years) passed away in the last year which was the hardest thing ever. Through everything my mom remained strong and managed to help my grandparents and my step dads family. I don’t know where any of us would be without the love and kindness my mom shows towards everyone!

  111. Christa dubois at 10:49 am

    As a mom, a stay at home mom, I ALWAYS question if I’m doing it wrong. Is he eating enough, to much, hes three and still wears diapers at night (EEK), he talks back more than a teen and listens as well as… well a kid.
    I let my little guy get away woth murder (literally… ok not literally). Every night ks a fight to get him to bed and im angry and exhausted. Then every morning he wakes up with a huge smile and a “mommy! I love you!” And i know i mut be doing something right. I heart my little a-hole.

  112. Michelle at 10:50 am

    My daughter’s teacher says whenever one of her classmates doesn’t have someone to play with or is sad, my daughter Phoebe stops doing what she’s doing and plays with the sad kid. It brought tears to my eyes. Why is she so evil at home and so sweet at school?

  113. Joslyn Johnson at 10:50 am

    I may be biased but my mom is the greatest! She was the oldest of 8 and had a rough childhood because her parents worked her from the time she could walk. She lived on a farm so you can probably imagine the work she had to do. And because she had to do that she made sure that when she had children we would have the awesome childhood she didn’t get! I love her so much that I built a room into our new house just for her so she wouldn’t be alone after my dad died of cancer! She could use a bit of spending cash even though she would probably spend it all on the grandkids!

  114. Jen at 10:51 am

    Hi–I love your blog! I know we (maybe just I??) complain about our spouses, but have to share a story about my husband getting it right. Both kiddos have whatever crazy sinus/cough thing is going around right now. The other night my husband got up in the middle of the night to lay with my daughter, prop her up on pillows and rub her back to soothe her back to sleep. Then after he got up to take his shower (he leaves super early as a high school teacher) noticed my son was up and coughing and did the same for him. I found my son still peacefully snoring away when I went to wake him up for school.

  115. Sara Malsbury at 10:51 am

    My son befriended a boy at school who never got invited to play at recess and have since become friends. Turns out this kid had unusual circumstances (removed from his home living with grandparents and having a tough time adjusting)at home and really needed a friend. #doingood

  116. Miranda sawyer at 10:51 am

    Although I wouldn’t normally do this, I have decided to nominate myself for #doinggood. My (ex)husband left in July to pursue a relationship with someone else. Instead of letting it beat me and our two children down, we have accepted it and are taking the high road. I was a SAHM so I started an in-home daycare and single parent raise my two babies! It’s hard work but my kids are happy, healthy, and polite. I am still nursing my 14 month old, have a very rambunctious 3.5 year old, and am beginning school in the new year to better myself for them!

  117. Anne Reever at 10:52 am

    My husband definitely! He volunteers to chaperone my 9yo’s field trips and is almost always the only dad. He works crazy retail hours and is still the most hands-on dad with our 2 kids. And best of all he does laundry!

  118. mary small at 10:52 am

    I work as a breastfeeding peer counselor for my local WIC office, one of the biggest perks about my job is that my kids can come with me. One day at work a Hispanic family (that spoke no English at all) came in with their little boy with Down syndrome. My awesome son noticed this little boy sitting under a table by himself and instead of choosing to ignore him like everyone else in the busy room was doing, he grabbed some trucks and went under the table to play with him. The smile of both their faces let me know I was doing something right as a mommy. My son didn’t see the little boy’s disability, he didn’t care that they couldn’t speak to each other, he just showed him compassion.

  119. Kim at 10:52 am

    My mom moved over 2600 miles to be help out with the kids. She comes down to our house in the morning to get them ready and take them to the bus stop. She meets the bus in the afternoons and helps them with their homework. She volunteers in their classrooms once a week and runs countless errands for me while I am at work. We don’t know what we would do without her:)

  120. Kate lapp at 10:53 am

    I have a 7 yr old, 5 year old, and 2 year old twins. It’s hard, but everyday I do my best, and I LOVE it!!!

  121. Jamie Zurliene at 10:53 am

    My sister is the most awesome mom ever! She has 3 kiddos and still manages to do wonderful things as a high school teacher. She even finds the time to make sure that I get to talk with my niece and nephews every single week since I live across the country from them! She never forgets to send me pictures of those beautiful babies so I can still feel like I am involved in their lives. I don’t know how she does it but she does! She is an amazing mother because she sees the value in those kiddos having a relationship with me (their aunt!). I am a proud aunt and choosing to move almost 2000 miles away from them was the hardest decision I have ever made in my life! So between raising 3 kids, being a high school teacher who is also involved in FBLA and the director of the high school play, she still somehow finds the time to make sure the kids have family that they know and continue to know by making sure we are involved in their lives. She always says that she isn’t doing a good job but she is most definitely #DOINGGOOD 🙂

  122. Crystal Quillen at 10:53 am

    My best friend Kasee had her son at 19. She bravely raised her son as a single mama with very little help from anyone. Sure I helped the best I could and so did grandma (her mama) the best she could from across the country, but the day to day hard stuff she did by herself. She was so worried that she wasn’t doing a good job because she was playing both roles and constantly felt like she was sucking at at least one of them. But here’s how I know that she rocked at raising the best kid ever…..Mason on like day 2 of being the new kid in middle school noticed that all the kids in his class and on the bus were picking on this scrawny kid. You know the kid that like Star Wars and band just a little to much, but anyway this kid couldn’t catch a break. Mason saw all of this and noticed his tears as people taunted him on the bus and watch him get off the bus alone. Without a second though he jumped off the bus (miles from his own stop by the way) and put his arm around this poor boy and walked him home. They talked and he and Mason became buddies pretty quickly. The next day at school he joined him for lunch and made a point of hanging out at break times acutely aware of his own shaky social standing at a new middle school and eventually one of the more popular kids took him aside and asked why he was hanging out with him. He (my handsome jock of a “nephew”) said because he’s freaking cool and wicked smart which you guys would know if you even bothered to get to know him. This could have cemented his standing and the weird new kid but surprisingly enough they invited both boys to join them and now this kid who very quickly could have ended up a victim one of those sad suicide bullying stories now enjoys going to school and had a best friend for life. My best friend is my hero. She raised the best most kind hearted kid I know all by herself. Which we know is freaking hard even when you have help. ☺️

  123. Emily at 10:53 am

    My husband is a great dad. When he gets home from work, he plays with the kids so I can sit and stare.

  124. Crystal at 10:54 am

    I’m trying to help my 7 year old regulate his emotions. It’s sinking in somewhat because one day I got the time of his extracurricular mixed up and missed his class, so was feeling stupid. He told me not to worry – we all feel bad sometimes, and it hurts for a while, but I’d feel better soon. I did.

  125. Shannon Clair at 10:55 am

    #doingood my friend is a single mom of two girls. She does not have a car of her own, because she spends The equivalent of a car payment on music lessons for her girls every month. Besides driving the “mom taxi service”, making sure the girls do their homework and remain at the top of their class, practice their musical instruments, do their chores, attend church, she takes care of her 87 year old mother. And she and her daughters volunteer every chance they get with a friend who runs a cat shelter. Not only do they help at the shelter, but they also help fund raise for the shelter. And they foster kittens in their home. I have no idea where she finds the time or energy to fit it all in as a single mom, but she sure is doing it right! Her children are well mannered, charismatic, caring, and in general, wonderful human beings 🙂

  126. Haley at 10:55 am

    I think my husband is an amazing parent! I had to have an emergency surgery and I’m on restrictions from housework. Seriously! My doctor said no housework! Woo hoo! So my hubby works a 12 hour shift and then immediately comes home to take care of our 2 year old matthew and cleans the house. I think he’s better at housework than me!

  127. Sarah Thompson at 10:56 am

    My grandmother is 87 and has been an amazing example (for as long as I can remember) of what a mother should be. I’m now a first time mom, and she’s still here as a great grandmother, showing us what love, dedication, and devotion to family looks like. She’s been #doinggood since before I was born and we are blessed to still have her here with us!

  128. Traci at 10:56 am

    I love reading your stories. This story made me cry. I work with young adults with congnitive disabilities and this could have been anyone of them. I think all the parents in my program are doing a great job, it’s so tough for them! They rarely get a break and they barely complain, they just do what it takes to help support their children to succeed.

  129. Suzie at 10:56 am

    Both of my younger sisters are kick a*s moms. One of them was 19 when she had my niece and she busted her a*s to provide for her. Even with various jobs, my sister still managed to volunteer in my niece’s classrooms, provide her with a warm place to live and raise her to be an incredible human being. My niece will be graduating high school near the top of her class and has qualified for many scholarships and she isn’t an asshole. Major win.
    My other sister is now a single mom after a contentious divorce and is busting her a*s to provide for her special needs daughter. She worked hard and hustled her way back into her former job after many years as a stay at home mom. She is always positive and doesn’t focus on the negative. She sets a goal and finds a way to reach it. Her daughter never wants for anything even though my sister struggles to make ends meet because her shitbag ex hasn’t paid child support in years.
    Both of my sisters have faced adversity as moms and have succeeded. They are kick a*s!

  130. Hannah at 10:57 am

    I have moments where I think I have screwed up my kids but I stopped to realize the other day that my daughter, who is 9, is on student council, basketball and drama. I don’t make her do it. She does it because she loves it. So somehow I have managed to be cheerleader enough to make her feel safe and capable of doing much and expanding her horizons. Must be doing something right!

  131. Tricia Larson at 10:58 am

    Just when I think I can’t get anything right (we all have those days:) my daughter thanked God for me after our night prayer!

  132. Tiffany R. at 10:58 am

    My husband is doing a great job. He works hard at a very demanding job, but he will drop everything for the kids, even if he is in the middle of doing work at home. He doesn’t snap at them and gets down on the floor and plays. He will run around the house and pretend whatever they are pretending. He is an inspiration of what I would like to be as a mom.

  133. Ashton at 10:59 am

    I think my husband is an amazing parent. He will work his 40 hrs a week but still comes home everyday and showers our attention loving two year old for hours. Playing with her, brushing her hair and talking with her. She’s exhausting and especially after a long day but he puts the hours in.

  134. Barb Wertz at 10:59 am

    So, last night I had to work concessions at our High School basketball game and I let the middle munchkin (9) stay and play with her friends. She ran around, I saw her for like 10 minutes in the 4 hours we were there. When we got home, she told me she didn’t have her homework done, still needed to read and then wanted ice cream. It was almost 9 by this time. I snapped at her. Why you ask? Because when I told her she could stay at the game, it was under the condition that she had to do her homework and read first before playing. UGH. Mom of the year didn’t check (and of course I know by now I have to because kids have the memory of a gnat!). So, back at home, I am all snotty with her. The hubs says, “We both are quick to temper with her.” OY, guilt city I am checking in now. I told her to come over and gave her a snuggle and explained the sitch, which she clearly knew. She was again happy. But, how I know I am at least an okayest mom is that her second grade teacher was at the game and middle munchkin sat with her for a bit and she was so happy. She told me that middle was so sweet, had a great heart and was such a polite and good kid. Guilt city, shall I stay for a week?

  135. Heather L. at 11:00 am

    Having five kids total with step childern and an angel. Finding time to give one on one attention is hard and I often find myself yelling to get chores done, but my strick behavior rules pay off. I got a letter from the school about my d.d. age 6., who had saw a kid drop all of her lunch on the floor and she stopped to clean it up for her peer. The also writes that she is the most polite kid in school asking please saying thank you and using the correct form of may I instead of can i. Yes I may yell and be strict but kids need rules and prove that every day when the behave at school in public etc.

  136. Jessica Swan at 11:00 am

    I can’t pick one. All the mamas in my world are pretty epic.

    Love your blog! Its brave and fun and honest.

  137. Jennifer at 11:01 am

    I gave myself a time out the other day instead of yelling at my kids when I was frustrated.

  138. Jen at 11:01 am

    I am married but separated and we still live together. I have a step daughter and 2 little boys. Constantly feel like I’m a horrible mom for living like this but can’t decide if being broke is better for my boys (they both play sports and one already has braces $$) or living in a crappy marriage. I’m so worried that they’ll be crappy husbands like their dad. But, I get awesome reports from teachers, neighbors, family members etc that my boys are so kind & well behaved-I must being doing something right. Why is it so hard for moms to see the good they do?

  139. Liz at 11:01 am

    My almost 5 and 3 year old vowed to marry each other yesterday, as weird and funny as it was, (one day they won’t think so) I felt I was doing something right, if even for a minute, because it just showed their enormous love for each other (most of the time, hah)!

  140. travaughna at 11:02 am

    My sister, Taqueesha, is my co parent and hero. She somehow finds time to provide daycare for my two kids and hers while taking them to numerous activities, events and experiences. She recently took my kids to visit the elderly, delivering them Christmas cards and treats. She has endless energy and is an amazing mom!

  141. Brittany Allred at 11:02 am

    My mom is the best. She raised three great children and none of us are too screwed up!

  142. Stacey N at 11:02 am

    My sister in Law is one amazing mommy. She had my sweet niece while still in high school and has worked her b**t off to make sure they are well taken care of. While she has been lucky to have a lot of family support, there is no way she wouldnt be where she is today without all the hard work she has put in. She works full time, is getting her licenses to sell insurance. She shows her daughter every single day that hard work is important. She now has one of the nicest and sweetest little 4 year olds, who has her moments of tantrums and melt downs, but also remembers to thank and hug every single person at her birthday party. I couldnt ask for a better play mate and pseudo sibling for my 16 month old. At 21 years old, she inspires me every day, and reminds me that while we all have struggles to get through, we do it together, and we do it with our heads held up high, regardless of what others think they know about our situations.

  143. Jessica Scott at 11:02 am

    Every time I see a post on facebook about parents beaming about their straight A kids or winning an award at school, I think about how my kids hate school, and I must be a terrible parent because my kids fail tests, forget homework, & complain about school. (Doesn’t help I’m a teacher; just adds extra guilt) Every night one of them is in tears about homework & they are not even in high school where it gets crazy hard. Just the academics though. They love lunch and recess! But then I run into a parent or teacher who just saw one of my kids & they “just have to stop” and tell me about some nice, random act of kindness they saw them perform. And I am reminded that their is no grade for being a good person, but I am more proud of that than straight A’s and they learned it by watching me. So I must be doing something right.

  144. Christine Glazier at 11:03 am

    I have a friend with four kids, two with IEP’s. She is amazing! She works, she runs the PTO at school and her kids are wonderful, kind, funny and sweet. I don’t know how she manages to do it all and be it all, but she does. She’s there for her friends and her family and is involved in our community. She’s my mom-role model and I’m licky to call her my friend!

  145. Sarah at 11:06 am

    My husband is #doinggood. He drops our son off at school every day (by choice, I could do it but he WANTS to) and then he sits with all the kids and reads stories. They adore him. It makes my ovaries explode every time. ?

  146. Alicia at 11:06 am

    Sometimes it’s so hard not to lose my patience with my toddler, and when I do I hate myself for it. I feel like the worst mom ever for yelling at him. The one day he asked me to fix his sock that was falling off. I did, and he immediately said “good job Mommy!” I realized in that moment he did that because of how often I say that to him. Usually without even thinking about it. I might lose my patience with him every once in a while, but every single day I’m giving him positive encouragement in ways I don’t even realize. Those are what’s sticking, and I’m very proud of that.

  147. Jordan Miller at 11:06 am

    I feel like I’m doing good because my little a-hole is constantly trying to weasel his way out of bedtime, but recently I’ve mastered the trick of getting him to stay in bed ALLLLL night which means, more time for myself because dang it, I deserve it!

  148. pittymomma at 11:06 am

    A friend a mine is super mom. 3 boys under 5, no problem. She handles it all, and was always so modest about it. Until her daughter was born. She slept about 90 min at a time. Mom never slept. The boys ran wild, and we previously potty trained 3 year old was back in diapers.

    I showed up one Sunday to visit the new baby and found my girl friend in tears. She felt she had ruined her boys lives by having a fourth baby. Her boys had been easy babies, they were happy and slept well and ate like ox. This fourth little peanut was a whole other experience and she felt like she was unable to cope.

    I almost laughed. I wanted to welcome her to what 99% of new mom’s feel like. I wasn’t sure how to had always managed, but now I get it, her boys were simply easy babes, and they had made her look like super mom. Rather than laugh, I suggested she go get a shower and a nap while I watched her brood for a new hours. Life is hard, it is meant to be hard.

    Now that fitful infant is a 3 year old who is the most helpful in queening her 3 rowdy brothers up to get to school. She is polite, and mild-mannered and sweet as sugar. And her momma sleeps well knowing that she is actually a super-mom, 90% of the time.

  149. Jane at 11:06 am

    I would say my sister is a kick a*s mom. She has been a single parent to two boys for their whole lives, and she always tries to be the best provider possible to them.

  150. charlie bruner at 11:07 am

    I TRY to be a good mom, and that is all we as parents can do. my daughter is 17, and I still love to read your blog, because it reminds me of the “good” old days (haha). We lost our first child to stillbirth, I had a total of 8 pregnancies, and ended up with one very amazing, very talented (she is a dancer and has been since 3), VERY challenging daughter. Through a less than fantastic relationship with our families that live far away, and no help raising her, only judgement, we have managed to raise a pretty cool chick, even though she CAN be a pain in my a*s and a hag at times ;), I love her more than life itself.

  151. Erika Ziegenhorn at 11:07 am

    my niece kicks a$$. She is young and should be a bit irresponsible but she really stepped up when she had her beautiful daughter. She works at a job she doesnt love but it pays the bills and keeps her baby in diapers. She has managed to find a job she will love but it means moving away from family and she is doing it (big for her). She uses all of her “free” time to be with with her baby– reading, playing etc. Is not being a lazy mom when there are a lot of YOUNG moms that do take an easier route to parenthood. I am so impressed with ehr

  152. Amy Bittner at 11:07 am

    I think you are an awesome mom…just like my mom. I had my little girl a few years after my mom retired from teaching. She was enjoying her new work free world, but gave it all up so that I could keep working in a really stressful job. Every morning she would come to the house and pick my daughter up, watch her all day, and then drive her back at night. More often than not she would bring dinner, fold a load of laundry. Or help out around the house. But most of all, she nurtured my daughter…and gave me the peace of mind to deal with all of the other insanity in life. She is my hero!

  153. jillian at 11:08 am

    My Mama, she may not have little ones running around anymore but she is the best mother I could ever ask for! she feels like she did so many things wrong while me and my sister were growing up, but the thing is…she did so many things right! she is simply the BEST mother in the world!

  154. Alyssa Bowers at 11:08 am

    My husband has been working crazy long hours lately. I’ve also been working like a mad woman. On top of work, I’m still managing to get all 3 kids to gymnastics practice and meets, piano lessons, ice skating, multiple different Christmas programs/plays/recitals/party’s and still plan my oldests birthday sleepover.

  155. Alison at 11:09 am

    My oldest has three learning disorders (yes three), and I feel like an utter failure at “school” with him – the kid, at 10, can hack any security system to keep him off youtube, can program in two languages, and loves to read (even if it is slloooowwwwly, thanks Dyslexia) but I still feel like a failure. His teacher pulled me aside Monday when I was at the school and let me know how kind, giving, caring, and helpful he is. That he will always ask if she needs errands run when he gets done with his work, will check in on her to make sure she is happy, and has offered to stay in during recess when she needs things done just to help. Sometimes we all need to remind ourselves there is more than one way to measure success in parting, so go me and go Ms. Mahler (his teacher).

  156. Ashley Schroeder at 11:09 am

    So my youngest daughter wanted to make cards for her cousins (my nieces) which I thought was awesome. Then I realize I’m missing $110.00. After I talked to both my girls and went bat s**t crazy accusing my wonderful husband I ransacked my house and still couldn’t find it. It looked like an a-bomb went off in my kitchen!! Once my girls got home from school I nicely and calmly asked them again. I may or may not of f) lied a little and told them that if I didn’t find it that all the Christmas presents were getting returned. She told me that she put 2 dollars in each of the girl’s cards (she doesn’t understand money yet). So I call my sister and tell her to open the cards NOW and sure as s**t one had two twenties in it and the other had a fifty and a twenty. While I appreciate how genourious she is this momma was even more grateful to use the money to finish Christmas shopping!

  157. Jessica Rye at 11:09 am

    I’d like to nominate my very own mother Sandy, even though I am 36 years old, she’s still an amazing mother and grandmother to my 2 boys. My mom lost my brother/her son to an act of violence as he was in the wrong place wrong time in 2007, 3 days before he would have turned 34. (I myself was 27 at the time). I know it’s been a long hard journey for her and it never gets any easier. She still manages to wake up, got to work, and function like the rest of us, even though I know inside she hurts deeply. NO MATTER the age when he died a son is always a son and a mother should NEVER have to bury a child. I look up to her in many ways she probably has no clue about. She’s my rock, my sounding board. She is a winner in my book! wink emoticon

  158. AM at 11:09 am

    My friend Laura has 3 beautiful children and 1 on the way. I don’t know how she manages to raise so many wonderful people without completely losing her marbles.

  159. Stacey at 11:10 am

    My bestie is a wonderful mom. All of her babies have had MSPI and horrible reflux. In order to breastfeed, she has had to give up all dairy and soy which pretty much means everything prepackaged and sign off on eating out at a restaurant all together. For over a year with each of her 3 babies. But in doing this, in addition to “breast is best”, she’s paving the way so they won’t have allergies to dairy or soy later on in life. She’s my hero. I don’t think I’d have the strength to deal with non-sleeping pissed-off reflux-puking babies without heavy doses of alcohol or cheese or milk chocolate. I love my bestie!

  160. jessa at 11:11 am

    My brother and his wife are about to adopt two sisters, ages 7 and 15. They have a 9 year old daughter too. I admire so much their faith and bravery in taking this challenge on! My brother said the other day, “How is it possible I already love these girls so much?” What a loving guy, and what lucky girls to grow up with a sensitive, thoughtful, and sweet man for a dad.

  161. Kristy at 11:11 am

    Growing up my mom seemed to always be working and too busy to spend time with us kids. When I was 14 my dad died and she and I clashed. It took almost 27 years and falling flat on my face in a bad relationship to realize she herself had been in a horrible relationship with my father. It dawned on me that the reason she worked all the time was because he never held a job. Growing up I said horrible things to her and she said horrible things to me in retaliation. When my bad relationship came to a head she dropped what she was doing and took my son to her house and begged me to go too. I stayed behind and after several hours at 3:00 am, I let myself into her house. When she woke up to see who was in her house I broke down in tears apologized and said “Momma I’m home.” She did everything she could to help me get back on my feet to rebuild my life. No matter what we have said to each other or what we have done to each other I now know she will always be there. She has always and will always be #doingood

  162. Jen at 11:16 am

    This post has me in tears. My little boy has autism, he has his first school concert tomorrow and I’m terrified for him. I hope he has a Zoey tomorrow to help him through it?
    As for being the worst mom, according to two studies I’ve read in the past two days, I’m 100% to blame for his autism – how’s that for guilt??

  163. Evan at 11:17 am

    My mom is doing/has done an amazing job with her kids. My dad wasn’t home a lot when I was growing up so much of the child rearing fell on my mom’s shoulders. She raised me and my two younger sisters. And, if I can say so, we’ve all turned out great. Now that we’re all grown, she helps me with my two boys by watching them two days a week while my husband and I work and she takes care of her own mother who has Alzheimers and her brother who is mentally handicapped. She’s an amazing woman and I hope I am able to come close to being as great a mom to my kids as she has been to me.

  164. michelle r. at 11:17 am

    I have to say I think that the way you let Zoey pick her own outfits, no matter how crazy, makes you a pretty awesome mom (totally not brown-nosing)! My daughter would come out with some crazy outfits and I always let my fear of what people think make me get her another outfit. She is incredibly creative and quirky, but I held it back a little. So now (age 13) when she walks out in her beautiful semi-formal dance dress with a crazy, nerdy bowtie on I smile because she doesn’t give a crap what people think. That’s not an easy feat for a teenage girl!

  165. Amy Fullen at 11:17 am

    I want to say how wonderful of a father my husband is to his daughter and my step-daughter. Sharing custody, fighting for custody, and always having to battle it out over the best way to raise your child isn’t the easiest thing to do, but he has always made sure to keep her oblivious to the arguments and trials and tribulations and continues to point out to her how lucky she is to have two families that love her dearly and care about her daily.

  166. Heather at 11:19 am

    My super awesome husband David. He is a teacher (English and Drama), he has green hair, and is the funniest person you will ever meet. He also happens to be by daughters Brownie Leader. The troop was no longer going to exist because none of the other parents were stepping up. He said that he was not going to disappoint a bunch of kids, so there he is…leading a bunch of 8-9 year olds. And they love him because—he is a funny guy, with green hair.

  167. Angie at 11:20 am

    My sweet daughter in law is doing a great job of raising her two children. My sweet grandkids. I raised 3 so I know how hard it is-she is amazing!

  168. Maren McCosh at 11:21 am

    My best friend is a wonderful mom. Her kindergartener little girl stuck up for a kid getting beat up on the playground. The bully a third grader then turned on her. But she is okay. I think if everyone taught their kids to do the right thing and stick up for the underdog the word would be a better place. I just hope I can raise my kids to be as brave and compassionate as my friend is doing.

  169. Becky Thompson at 11:22 am

    I think daily that I am doing a horrible job because all during kindergarten he would get in trouble every day. Then he got to 1st grade. Now he is thriving and actually is on the honor roll. It’s all perception. You are doing a wonderful job. We all are.

  170. Breen Inkmann at 11:23 am

    We are all #doinggood, we are all trying our best at this thing called parent-ting… no manual or directions did the stork bring… everywhere, everyway, we’re putting out kids needs first… so that’s why it hurts when they call us ‘the worst’ 🙁 … we take it in stride, knowing they were just tryin to be snide…they always come along with their HUGE hugs and kisses to make amends, WE ALL LOVE OUR CHILDREN AND WILL DEEP DOWN INSIDE ALWAYS BE FRIENDS! 😉 🙂 ♡ B

  171. peeps at 11:23 am

    I am the youngest of 9 children. Most of my siblings have gone on to marry and have children of their own. It has become time that those children, my nieces and nephews are having children of their own. As I watch them parent their children I realize that somewhere up the line has done a whole lot right! As I watch my nieces & nephews chase their children around the yard while playing tag or chasing the bare naked baby that needs a diaper, I’m in awe and full of pride for these amazing people. These moms & dads that I know question themselves. They are in fact #doinggood

  172. Wendy Harrison at 11:23 am

    I can so relate to this… Christmas is around the corner and no cookies baked or presents wrapped, running to the store today to get my daughter a white shirt for her school concert tonight, one child not speaking to me that e others not listening… But hearing others talk so sweetly about them makes it all worth it.

  173. Rebecca LeCour at 11:24 am

    My husband. One day I was in the kitchen and my kids were playing in the playroom. I overheard my son tell my daughter “you can go first Madison. Daddy says always let ladies go first”. He’s teaching him how a lady should be treated.

  174. Lindsay at 11:26 am

    My best friend. She is raising two extremely down to earth, lovely little kids. I always look up to her for parenting advice. She has been such a role model for me

  175. Margaret Fuller at 11:27 am

    My #doinggood shout out goes to my husband. We are in a paycheck to paycheck situation right now. He is working his tail off at work, getting no praise for it, and managing finances here at home. We all do our part. I feel like he just needs to feel like someone else is out there rooting for him. $250 would fill up the hole that Christmas seems to have dug us into.

  176. Victoria McQueen at 11:27 am

    I would like to tell you about my awesome friend Susan. She started her family a little late in life but she makes the most awesome mom. She has one little girl and then a set of twin boys. Then another little boy after that.
    She makes this mom thing look easy. Even though we all know it isn’t. The world needs more committed and awesome mothers like her.

  177. Theresa at 11:29 am

    I strive to be a mother like my great aunt who I never met, back in the day, when my grandmother was a teenager, my great aunt had a baby. There were no car seats and she was holding the baby as they drove and she just sees that they are going to be in a car accident so she THROWS HER BABY OUT THE WINDOW OF THE MOVING CAR, the baby lands pretty much unharmed and their car is smashed to pieces. My grandmother was in the hospital for a long time, and that baby surely would have died if my Aunt hadn’t thrown her. I will always listen to my gut and pray that I will know when *metaphorically* (hopefully) to throw my babies out the window.

  178. Sarah at 11:30 am

    My husband is #doing a good job. He thinks he is letting us down on a daily basis. It’s been a pretty ruff year financially and the kids have not gotten mutch extra. It makes him feel.like a bad dad. He is the greatest dad in the world. He doesn’t think that all he does and all the time he makes for his kids is what matters most.

  179. Alley Kramer at 11:32 am

    Earlier this year I woke up blind in one eye. It was 3 days before my littlest’s 4th birthday, while I was trying to plan a pool party for tons of kiddos. From there it went k downhill. Migraines, 5 days in the hospital for tests and steroids, and 5 months pushing pushing through pain all while trying to hide it from my kids. No one wants to be the broken mom. Finally the doctors figured it out… I have rapid cycling MS. All current symptoms – numbness and pain in my right hand and arm, chronic migraines, and darkness in my eye are all permanent. I am literally heartbroken for my kids, knowing that I can not be the “fun mom” I always pictured myself being. I tey to make it up to them as much as possible, but I catch the quick looks of disappointment whenever I have to say “mommy can’t do that right now, let’s wait for daddy to help”. I hurt inside for what my kids lost that day I became broken. They lost the mother they deserve, and all I can do is hold them tight and love them all the ways I still can.

  180. Ashlynn at 11:32 am

    Wow all of these stories! Each one of them deserves to win! I would like to nominate myself, because I have 2 young boys and didn’t want anymore children. About 3 months ago, my husband and I found out we are expecting. It wasn’t the right time at all, if ever again to get pregnant. Not only did I deal with severe hyperemesis gravidarum with my previous pregnancies, around the time I found out I was pregnant I was dealing with some depression and mental illness. Life was a daily struggle. Then to find out I was expecting.. No, no, no.. I was taking powerful anti-depressants & knew immediately that I was going to stop taking my medication. Then came the sickness.. Every day, ALL day for almost 3 months. I felt like I was dying. Sure it didn’t help I just took myself off my medication.. I was in and out of the hospital and lost so much weight. I felt terrible about not being able to take care of my children, my husband or my home. FINALLY the sickness subsided just as quickly as it had come and life is slowly going back to normal. I am a stay at home mother and can now take care of my boys again. I know when they look back on their childhoods, they won’t remember the few short months mom was out of commission. They’ll look back and remember the days we spent together and know mom loves them.

  181. Rachel schafer at 11:34 am

    My sister is a totally awesome mom. She’s a single mom and she also does foster care and has adopted one of her foster kids! I can’t imagine doing what she does without the support of my husband. She rocks.

  182. Jenny T at 11:34 am

    I think I do ok as a mom. I am a stay at home mom but I also have an in home daycare. I never wanted to do daycare but my sister-in-law came to me one day and need care for her two boys ASAP. I wanted to help and said yes even though I now had to get up at zero dark early to let them in. Once they were old enough to go to school I took in a few more kids. There have been many hard times when I think that I’m not giving my own children enough of my time but the best part of being a mom is when I see them providing care or comfort to another child or even an adult who might need it. That is the moment that I know I am doing at least one thing right.

  183. Chris P. at 11:34 am

    My sister is a totally kick a*s mom! Over the past two years she has gone through hell with a horrible divorce. In that time she has managed to earn a degree, start a career, AND maintain awesome mom status. There are days I know she’s ready to throw in the towel, but she never gives up on her littles.

  184. Heaven Moore at 11:35 am

    Sometimes I feel like a crappy mom for wishing I hadn’t wasted my degree and experience to be a stay at home mom. But every time my daughter remembers to use her manners or picks up her toys without me having to tell her, or kisses me for no reason, I remember that it’s not just my time, it’s our time. And she’s turning out pretty great.

  185. Jessica at 11:35 am

    My husband is awesome! He is so hands on with our daughter and helps out with a majority of the daily tasks. He also takes her for Daddy daughter dates and makes sure to spend as much time as possible with her. He is very patient with her and is just all around awesome! She is a big Daddy’s girl and definitely has him wrapped around her finger!

  186. Caitlin Chalmers at 11:36 am

    My husband! He’s an awesome dad, our boys live him and I know I give him too much s**t sometimes.

  187. Tara Myatt at 11:36 am

    I have raised 6 kids, they are all grown now but this isn’t about me. It’s about my oldest daughter who has 3 kids of her own now. My daughters childhood wasn’t always the best, I made a lot of mistakes, her step dad ( my ex husband) was an abusive alcoholic and there was a lot of trauma in that household. But she is doing an awesome job of trying to break the cycle of all that childhood stuff we carry into our adult lives. She has dealt with severe post partum after having her last 2 but she is an awesome mom and doesn’t know it most of the time. She is always there for her kids, she makes plenty of mistakes but always apologizes afterward and talk with them about what she did wrong. She lets them have there own feelings and emotions and never tells them they are wrong feeling a certain way they just talk about what behaviors are appropriate. I’m am so proud of her!

  188. Erika Fultz at 11:37 am

    I’m a single mom and feel like I’m doing so crappy most days. I yell more than I want (he’s JUST like me as a kid), but then I see him give another kiddo a hug or do something sweet and I know I’m doing alright!

  189. Sara at 11:37 am

    My oldest is a 15 year old boy. He talks back, always argues with his siblings, and most days I throw my hands up in the air because I don’t know what I did wrong. Then out of the blue I read this Facebook post from him (copied directly from his post):

    Sorry for the novel but I was out riding my bike through town today when I hear this car putting along, I look back to see what it is and as it goes over the train tracks, it shuts off. As the guy rolls up to the nearest parking spot and gets out, I ask if he would like any help. He says that the car has an oil leak, among other problems and I ask if he wants me to go and get him some oil. He says that that would be amazing, so he hands me $20 and tells me to pick up 4 quarts and keep the change. As I get back to where he is stuck and hand him his oil, he tries to hand me more money. I tell him to keep it and put it towards the car, because it needs it more than I do and hand him back the change. As he fills up his oil, I ask him about the car. He says that he has had it for 3 or 4 years and that it has always been a pain in his neck and that he was about to sell it. I told him not to because it was a Jaguar XJ8 from the 80s and the body was in really good condition and even if it didn’t run, he should tow it out to car shows. He laughed and said that he could handle everything from that point on so I went on my way. Even though all I did was run to Speedway and buy motor oil with HIS money and gave him back money that he was going to give to me, it still made me feel great. Long story short, do something nice, even if it is for someone you have never met and will never see again. It feels better than you could imagine.

    Maybe I’m not doing as badly as I thought. . .

  190. Jenna Zaunbrecher at 11:38 am

    I have four children ages 9, 5,4, and 2. My 5 and 4 year old were both very I’ll and we practically lived in a hospital for a while. I felt like a horrible mother because my oldest was always getting put last. I felt like I had completely failed him. A few days ago a lady who works in the school cafeteria sent me a message telling me how great of a job I am doing with my kids. She said everyday before they eat breakfast or lunch they both bow their heads and say grace before eating. This brought tears to my eyes. Apparently, somewhere in all the craziness and chaos of our lives I am doing something right!

  191. Michelle Kyle at 11:39 am

    Usually I nominate other but this time I’m doing one for me. I became a sahm and some days I wonder what possessed me to make that decision. There are days when all I get done is cleaning up messes, tears and heaven forbid say no till I’m saying it in my sleep. Then the days my kids go in public and use their manners, act like they always have sense, and help others. The days when my son calls me in to look at his p**p snakes in the toilet and we have a dance party in the bathroom. Then listening to my kids giggle in their sleep ,which thank God we made it bedtime, are the moments I think I’m ok. I love your site!

  192. Amanda at 11:39 am

    I completely understand this, I feel like I am missing out on so much and in turn being a terrible mom. My daughter is 7 and I try every night to make sure I read her a book and tuck her in at night. After my day job, I make dinner, help with her homework, tub time, snack and book/bed time, clean up dinner and then I do my homework well into the night. I am in school and work a full time job so some nights I go to the library or have to lock myself in my bedroom for hours just to finish an assignment on time. She makes sure to tell me how awful I am why I am doing all of these things just because I cant read her that book. I know in the long run getting my accounting degree is going to be great for the family. Keep on trucking is all I can do..

  193. Susie Tanner at 11:39 am

    My daughters Amy and Shel are both great moms. We were foster parents of special needs babies while they were growing up and it taught them to be caring compassionate adults!

  194. Jen at 11:40 am

    My sister in law who is currently battling stage 4 breast cancer. Despite all the treatments and how tired she is she always make sure to attend her children’s school functions and to spend as much time with them as she can.

  195. Sarah at 11:42 am

    My friend and neighbor is moving out of the county by Christmas as well as showing the house she and her family are moving from. I fail to see how she does that, but because she is awesome, she is taking the extra time to do Christmas activities with her kids.

  196. Patricia Hager at 11:42 am

    My Aunt. She is divorced and raising two sons – a 13 yr old and a 5 yr old with Downs Syndrome. She and their dad make it work for the kids, and she works part time while managing doctor’s appointments, therapy, etc. that comes with parenting a special needs child.

  197. Angela Gossett at 11:43 am

    My sister is amazing. Not only is she raising 5 children by herself, she is doing it with kindness and support. Her oldest just announced that she(now he and called Eric) is transgender. My sister is fully supportive and his biggest advocate. He never had to fear what she would say, or question her love for him. She gives this same love and support to all her children. #doinggood

  198. Tabitha Bale at 11:44 am

    I am nominating my best mommy friend Jenn Cruz as kickass mom! She has twin 7 year old girls and a 4 yo boy, works a full time demanding job and still manages to have her sh!t together, feed her kids good food, do all the running around that needs to be done and does it all with a smile! Love her! We have known each other since we were 13 years old, when we were little a-holes ourselves. The best part about her and our relationship is now our children consider each other “cousins”. <3

  199. Anne S. at 11:47 am

    I’m learning to do the best I can do each day. Being a mom is the toughest job in the world! You want the best for your children and provide the best, but no one can do/be everything. When I get overwhelmed by my efforts and lack of visible results (my kids are being a-holes) I try to tell myself tomorrow is another day.

  200. Crystal Hamaker at 11:47 am

    I started The Pohl Foundation after my sister Deb Pohl died. Deb was an incredible woman who always found the best in people and was always doing anything she could to help people. The purpose of The Pohl Foundation is to do acts of kindness. Each year during the holidays I choose a family or person who are struggling for various reasons. This year I met a single father of two, who is doing EVERY THING RIGHT, but as we all know life throws us unexpected curve b***s and this gentleman has been hit by several in a row, including his daughter being diagnosed with a serious health issue in the last few months. He didn’t know about my foundation when he told me; “I don’t know how I’ll be able to do anything for the kids for Christmas with all of the medical expenses, the water pipe break and vehicle repairs. But having my daughter well again is all that our family needs.” I chose this family to raise funds for this year. There’s no doubt that single mothers are heroes, however single fathers are rarely recognized for being the heroes they are! 16% of all single parent families are headed by single fathers. I’d like to nominate him as “doing good” for he truly is!

  201. Alana Pagdin at 11:52 am

    I always feel like the worst Mom ever when Im always shouting at my girls more than prasing them but its always reconfirming when someone comes and tells you you have the most well behaved kids ever. I just wish they would be like that at home sometimes!! Lola

  202. Melynda at 11:54 am

    I always think I am the worst mom ever, especially when 1 of my 3 kids (or all of them) decide to have a melt down for some really dumb reason and we are out in public. Then I have to remind myself all the things I do for these little monsters like walking my oldest to school 1 1/2 miles away (6 miles a day) in the freezing cold on top of all the daily mommy must do crap. So yes I think I am a good mom (for the moment, until one of them has another meltdown over getting red juice when they wanted blue juice for lunch.. fml) lol

  203. Barbara Runyan at 11:57 am

    I once forgot to feed my daughter. She was probably a month old and I was exhausted. She kept crying and crying. That was very unusual for her because she did not cry a lot. I called my mother (who is awesome, by the way) and she went through the checklist with me. Is she wet? No mom I already changed her. She won’t sleep. She doesn’t want to be held. She just keeps crying. So here comes the big question from my mom. What time did you last feed her? Silence. Thanks mom. I think we figured out what’s wrong. I felt like the worst mom ever. 8 years later I look in my daughter’s and think to myself, I’ve done a pretty good job. She’s a good student. She’s caring and kind. She lives all creatures big and small. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a thing (except maybe remember to feed her that one time). I am often told what a great mom I am. I am very proud of that. But I always respond the same way: I had a great example to follow. I learned from my mom.

  204. Heidi O at 11:57 am

    I often feel like I’m not doing so well as a mom, but the first thing my kids do every morning is come and give me hugs, kisses, and tell me that they love me, so I must be doing something right!

  205. Emily at 12:01 pm

    My mom is an awesome mom and grandma but that’s no surprise. My dad is who I want to call out this time. He watches my 16 month old son every Wednesday, and has done so since I went back to work when my son was 11 weeks old. My dad isn’t one to sit around so they started going for walks every day. When the weather got cold last year I suggested walking around the mall. Ever since, they go the mall every single Wednesday. Before my son could even crawl my dad would take him to the play area there and let him roll around and watch the other kids. Now he runs around with the other kids. I’m not surprised that my dad’s a great grandpa but it’s a pretty proud moment to see how much joy they bring each other.

  206. Kadie at 12:02 pm

    I’m shouting out my husband. He is usually quite patient with our 3 children (boy, almost 9 – girl, almost 7 (and yes, puberty already?!?! Holy mood swings!) – and boy, age 3). Our oldest isn’t officially dx’d as on the spectrum, but I’m certain he will be … and he has his “quirks.” Mostly sensory stuff and narrow focus of interest…While he and I have an amazing relationship, there is something so special about the bond he and his father have. Whereas I tend to not push him to discuss uncomfortable things because I don’t want to create even more anxiety about things,(for him, social anxiety is a big problem so he doesn’t like talking about who he played with, etc), his Dad has the ability to get him talking and talking about he FEELS about these things. It’s amazing. And I just listen, amazed and so grateful. And I take some tips from him and work on being able to reach in through the wall and find that way to make my kid talk, too.

    And the hubby is a pretty great dad to the other crazies, too. 🙂

  207. Allison Prasifka at 12:04 pm

    My best friend manages to juggle two kids, one in pre K and one under a year. She also is in college part time and managing all of that and they bought a house! She is just the most balanced person I know even when she has a plate full and then some she always keeps her head held high and smiles. I always knew she was a my best friend for a reason and seeing her as a mother had strengthened our bond even deeper.

  208. Teresa Shane at 12:05 pm

    My daughter has a peanut allergy and a lot of times people make it sound like its my fault. I know it’s not true but it makes it hard. I get frustrated at my kids easily cause they don’t listen but I know they know I love them.

  209. Michelle at 12:07 pm

    My mom is the most amazing mom ever. She had my siblings and I all before she turned 29. She had to leave college to raise us, but then went back and finished her undergrad degree when she was 40. She is the one person who I can say truly inspired me to become a teacher. I know my parents struggled when we were growing up – my dad worked 2 jobs and there were many nights we went to bed before he got home – but my mom always made sure we ate dinner (even if she didn’t), and had all of our homework done before getting all 3 of us showered and in bed. Thanks mom!

  210. Liz at 12:14 pm

    My friend Dave is hands down the best parent I know. He was left to raise his two kids–a son who is 14 and a daughter who is 10–years ago when his wife left them all behind. He works restaurant hours (lots of nights and weekends) to support them. Despite his difficult work schedule, he makes time to build amazing memories for his kids. He leads Girl Scout activities, attends the Nutcracker and sound of Music performances, bakes, throws amazing sleepover birthday parties, visits Santa, face paints, crafts, cooks, hikes, camps, etc. with his daughter. He cheers on the football games, rents a tux for the band performance, tutors, carpools, helps with homework, goes on jogs, etc. with his son. Without help from family, who live across the country. All with a huge smile on his face and not a lot of cash in his pocket. He is the happiest and most proud parent I know and his kids are a wonderful product of his love. To top it off, he never utters an unkind word about the person who left them all behind. He deserves this more than anyone I know.

  211. Julie Mills at 12:16 pm

    Shout-out to the single parents. I don’t know how you do it, but those I know personally hold it together and are raising awesome kids.

  212. Kelly at 12:18 pm

    A friend of mine gets a $5 target gift card for every day in December and whenever she’s out and about with her kids, they make a point to find people doing nice things for others and give them the gift card. It’s a small token, but it alwas brightens people’s days.

  213. Kira at 12:21 pm

    I have a 5 year old little girl (so typically feel like I don’t do anything right) and a 3 yr old and 1 yr old boy…while trick or treating at a friends house (therefore we were inside chatting) my 3 year old asks “Can I give ‘Bob’ a sucker?” OF COURSE YOU CAN, HONEY!!! Let me tell you, suckers are his FAVORITE candy! Needless to say I felt like I had done something right along the way!!

  214. Betsy at 12:23 pm

    My sister is so amazing. She adopted her soon through foster care (he was a drug baby) and also fosters other kids all while working full time and dealing with my nephew and his special needs. He is overly aggressive and can be a real pain in the b**t. I don’t know how she does it.

  215. Claire at 12:27 pm

    My good friend Taya is an awesome parent who rocks the single parent world of her special needs child while juggling her own health needs and working full time! Her ex just recently took off to live his second life in Florida and hasn’t been super involved since he left…she amazes me wvery day!!!

  216. melissajanisin at 12:28 pm

    I love my kids, but they have too much stuff. My fault, not theirs. But anyway, I told them that Santa probably wasn’t bring new video games to kids that already had too many, and I got them to get rid of their Wii, a bunch of games and some other stuff. Later that night my 7yo said to me – “Mom, I don’t even want a PS4 anymore. Let some other kid have it. I’ll just take whatever Santa wants to give me.” Awwwwwwww. I don’t know if this is good parenting or not, but, I give myself at least a little credit for half the DNA.

  217. Alison at 12:29 pm

    I know this goes under the heading of “too little too late” or “helpful advice I could’ve used before, not now,” but since I’m a woman and wear dresses and skirts that have ribbons a lot and undoubtedly your daughter will as well, here’s some advice: HAIR STRAIGHTENER. They never get too hot (cuz otherwise we’d all have singed hair) and you can yank a ribbon through it really quick, then press the bow so it stays nice and pretty. 🙂

  218. Amber at 12:34 pm

    I’m doing the best I can at this mom thing. It’s really challenging. I often think I’m doing it all wrong but then I get a glimpse of how amazing they are and realize I must be doing something right. Now, if only I could figure out what it is so I can keep doing it. I really am lucky to have such special little people in my lives.

  219. Heather at 12:35 pm

    A month ago, I lost my job of 10 years. My husband and I decided we are going to try the stay at home mom deal. It is only week 2 (had to give daycare 2 weeks notice), and it is proving to be more challenging than expected being home each and every day with my 4 year old, self-proclaimed princess, and my very active two year old son. Oh, did I mention I am almost 8 months pregnant?!

    Sometimes it takes a reminder from my husband or a friend, but at the end of the day, I know I am doing a great job as a parent. My kids are kind (maybe not always to each other!), and very well mannered which is important to me. No one ever said parenting was easy, and I love that I can rely on Baby Sideburns when I need a laugh and a dose of reality that no parent, or family is perfect. 🙂

  220. Abbie at 12:37 pm

    My mom…she is amazing as a mom but even more amazing as a grandma to my 4 year old and 2 year old. She retired and now watches my kids for me all week…and she schleps them to preschool, mommy [grandma] and me classes, music, dance, the play tree at the mall, to see the [creepy] Easter Bunny when I forgot, the park, for picnics, out to lunch with friends, shopping at toys r us (what!? How!?), to the movies, panera for the only meal they will both eat without complaining or throwing on the floor and countless other activities. She gets my kids dressed in the morning, bathes them, brushes teeth, fights my daughter every morning to brush her hair, washes their pjs and feeds them 3 meals a day plus snacks. I am exhausted just thinking about all she does for me, my husband and them. Some retirement she is having, but she does all this and so much more and I am grateful and in awe. I hope I can be 1/2 the mom she is one day when I can keep up with her. I think she deserves the gift card actually…time to go shopping for some more presents for her because suddenly I feel like nothing is enough! Thanks for all the laughs and making the craziness that is parenting seem “normal” to us all!

  221. Coral Farrell at 12:40 pm

    I had a mini meltdown to my husband because days feel so rushed. I hustle my 2 boys in the morning to get dressed and fed and off to daycare. Then after work it is cooking, feeding, bathing, and bedtime rituals. I feel like a referee and I am the bad guy most days by being the death of fun. -Basically I am a normal working mother…

    After my ‘meltdown’ my 2 year old, who never gets out of bed, called me in for extra snuggles. He told me I was pretty and his best friend. I was a SAHM for a couple years before going back to work was so hard; and these are the times I miss most. I felt then that I was doing OK. This moment was not huge in the big scheme of things but it was monumental to me and what I needed most in the world… Extra sweet baby hugs.

  222. Lindsey at 12:41 pm

    My mom was a single mother who worked full time as a teacher dealing with other people’s kids all day, graduate school at night, and still managed to be both mom and dad to my brother and me. For a few years she had to also care for her own mother who was dying of cancer. My mom did it all, and while no one is perfect, she did the best she could do and and helped shape us into pretty good people. Even now she doesn’t hesitate to put a lot of miles on the car to drive for hours to come help me as a new mother. I know she feels like she failed in so many ways but I couldn’t have asked for a better mom.

  223. Leslie at 12:41 pm

    My husband is an amazing dad. I am on maternity leave with a 10 week old and even though he is working from home, he will help out as much as he possibly can. Not sure how I would get by in a day without him! I feel pretty lucky!

  224. terib19 at 12:42 pm

    My friend Siobhan is not only an amazing parent to her own 2 children but she’s amazingly generous with her time, traveling to South America for the past 2 years to help out poor children who don’t have much. Their families are poor and she travels with her church group to bring them little presents that they normally would not get. She’s going again for the third time this January and she’s definitely worthy of a #doingood story

  225. MISHIGA95 at 12:44 pm

    My husband is #doinggood when it comes to parenting. When we met, he came into the relationship with a 6-year-old son (PJ) that he had right out of high school. Things didn’t work out with PJ’s mother (because she’s a horrible shrew), and when PJ was 9, he came to live with us full time. My husband fought for (and won!) full legal and physical custody of PJ when he was 12 (which is NOT easy to do for a man in California, as the courts tend to favor the mother) and we have raised PJ together and are very proud of him (he’s now 20, has a job, and in college). But, in addition to PJ, we had a baby girl (Charly, short for Charlotte) three years ago – right when PJ was almost a legal adult, so he got to do it all over again! But he’s a great Dad – since he had a baby before he met me, he has always been really knowledgeable about how to do things – like baths for newborns (I found that so scary!) and even styling our daughter’s hair or playing dolls with her. He’s a very manly man, so there’s something incredibly endearing about watching him sit on the floor while Charly does his makeup. When it comes to parenting, my husband is truly #doinggood.

  226. Rebecca Croft at 12:45 pm

    My dad got full custody of my three siblings and I when my parents divorced. Ages 9months to 5 years. He raised us as a single dad, and none of us died! I’m now 25 and married and have like a bajillion photos of terrible outfits and Baby Spice hair with clown make up that I actually wore in public. And stirrup pants in psychedelic colors inside these pink rain boots I apparently wouldn’t ever take off. Where was I going with this again? Oh yeah, my dad is a total badass and the best parent ever, even though I know he questioned himself all the time. I’m a very lucky kid!

  227. Jen Waterman at 12:47 pm

    My mother in law is a rock star! She helps me with my three kids and hubby! She always goes above and beyond and makes me feel like I am doing a good job!

  228. Erin W at 12:52 pm

    Parenting is tough and each kid is different. Everyone is just doing the best we can, thanks for the reminder that for all the things we get wrong, there are things that are turning out alright.

  229. Amber at 12:53 pm

    My mom is doing a fantastic job. She raised her little hoodlums which are now married with kids if their own, and she is extraordinarily patient with her three step daughters which are 10, 13, and 17. I don’t know that I could go back and do it all over again.

  230. Jake at 12:53 pm

    My mom seriously is like super mom. There is no real way to explain how she has taught me to have the utmost faith and respect for humanity. Seven years ago she signed up to be a surrogate, yes seven! She was totally dedicated to the process of shots and hormones and getting implanted and more hormones, did I mention hormones? She had heartache and pain for over five years. Multiple miscarriages and even an ectopic pregnancy requiring surgery. One day it finally worked. She was pregnant!!!

    In Jamuary 2014, she was very pregnant and was put on bed rest. The baby was sideways and cutting off the blood supply to her hips. Due to this she got something called Avascular Necrosis (AVN). Her hips were literally breaking just because she was getting out of bed for the bathroom. The doctors decided that since my mom didn’t want to take pain medication out of fear that the baby would be born with issues that she needed to deliver before his due date. Guy was born absolutely perfect but moms hips were wrecked. She had her first major surgery two days after he was born and through it all she was amazingly strong. Always smiling when she wanted to be screaming in pain. She never let anyone see how bad it really was.

    The surgeon told her he had never seen so many fractures in one hip and someone having the ability to go on with everyday life. Mom has always known that she has like the worst luck possible so when the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh surgery didn’t take care of the issue she just laughed at the doctors. She said if she doesn’t laugh she would always be crying. She’s only upset or sad that the doctors have told her that she can’t finish the family for the intended parents. Her OB doc even removed her other Fallopian tube because mom kept telling her that she would be able to some day make it happen. Mom was so determined to be that wonderful person that she is and complete the job she had started.

    Fast forward to today and mom is still stuck in bed. She hates that she is no longer completely independent. She has many more surgeries ahead to get things to where they were before pregnancy. All of this has made me remember how important it is to make others happy. Guy is absolutely perfect and the parents are happier than I think I’ve ever seen anyone.

    Generally the entire month of December we do random acts of kindness but due to her condition we have been unable to. I would love nothing more than someone to give my mom something for all of her kindness and dedication to everyone else not just me as her child.

  231. Heather Weber at 12:55 pm

    I MUST be doing something right as a mom… it’s just so hard to realize it sometimes. My husband collapsed two days before Thanksgiving while taking our youngest to daycare… after being taken by ambulance to the hospital, we learn he has a heredity heart condition… and a week after he has a defibrillator put in his chest… he can’t drive for at least 6 weeks (possible longer), can’t lift over 10 pounds or lift his arms above waist level and we don’t know when he can go back to work (and his disability insurance has NOT kicked in yet). So I am in super parent mode… I get up at the a*s crack of dawn, get my youngest to daycare, myself to work, commute home (sometimes 2 hours or more), stress about paying the bills, get the youngest then juggle my 11 year old’s basketball practices, while forcing her to practice playing that trumpet she just had to have (torture to my ears) while also juggling my 17 year old bonus son’s basketball games… keeping on the both of them to do homework… and managing to cook dinner every night… spend time with the youngest… and take care of and encourage, my very discouraged husband. I collapsed every night… and do it all over the next day… and occasionally I wash the dishes and clothes… but… my oldest is always so quick to tell me thank you and that he appreciates me.. .my girl tells me I’m the best Mommy… my youngest loves me best 🙂 so that’s thanks enough from him… and my husband, while pouting about his restrictions, manages to thank me for doing it all right now. It’s not the easiest thing in the world… but hell, someone has to hold us all together, might as well be me 🙂

  232. Jennifer Molnat at 12:56 pm

    No matter how much my teen drives me crazy enough to get all of his electronics taken away so often that I have them more than he does or how stubborn (and exactly like me) my 6 yr old is I know I’m doing a good job with them every time I turn the tv on and see another teen violence story. My kids get great grades, are respectful (at least to other people) and stay out of trouble. I’m definitely doing something right!

  233. Toni at 12:57 pm

    My sister, Pam, is not only a loyal sister and my best friend, but she is an extraordinary wife and mother. She has her nursing license and was a head ER Nurse at the Naval Hospital in San Diego before meeting her husband and starting her beautiful family. For her husband’s sixth deployment overseas, she is raising four children and a puppy (after her second child she left the military to focus on being the kind of mother everyone wishes they could have and be like). Superwoman doesn’t have s**t on Pam. Pam IS Superwoman. She has an 8-year-old (really a 16-year old competitive diva), a 6-year old (princess), a 3 year-old (Ninja Turtle-loving crazy boy) and a 1-year-old (happy little boy). To top it off, she also has a puppy that’s not even one-year old. She doesn’t have any family living near her, but has amazing friends who help when they can; however, she doesn’t really need the help. She takes the oldest to swimming practice 2 days a week, the 6-year old to dance class 3 days a week, her 3-year old to play group 2 days a week and good ol’ Lyle tags along. All kids love school, are interested in books, sports, nature, and are all around great kids. (I’m not just saying that because I’m their Aunt). Pam has raised four amazing children who are going to do miraculous things in this world. Saying that she is #doingood is an understatement 🙂

  234. Shasta at 1:00 pm

    My wife is such an amazing step parent. She doesn’t have any bio kids but she treats my bio kids like they are hers. She always tells the funniest stories and brings so much joy. I didn’t have a mother growing up (my mom is schizophrenic ) and she’s taught me so much of what it’s like to be a good mom. I’d love to treat her to something special 🙂

  235. Jenna Hodge at 1:01 pm

    I used to feel like I was getting it wrong all the time. I have a teenage son with chronic health conditions and a mentally disabled daughter. I spend too much time online or on the phone scheduling appointments and IEP meetings, I let them watch way too much tv, and play video games. However, after a school meeting a while back, I realized I must be doing ok, because if you ask my kids what they like to do, they talk about me coloring with them, or playing video games with them, letting them pick out a movie to watch, and bringing them shopping with me. (one of my least favorite things to do lol) I think that it’s more about the time you spend together, than what you actually do. I have to admit, that we would love the gift pack, so I could take my kids out to do something special as a family!

  236. Vanessa at 1:05 pm

    My husband is working on his PHD, which is way more work and time consuming than I ever thought the process would be. Despite all the mental stress and hours he puts in to reading, writing and teaching he still makes quality time for our girls (all while showing them the importance of hard work and growing yourself). Sometimes he feels like hes absent too much, but I can tell by their bond that he is giving them what they need.

  237. Tracy at 1:07 pm

    I feel like I’m doing a pretty ok job. My kiddo told me yesterday that when he’s rich and famous (fingers crossed!!!!) that he’s going to build a library in and name it after me! Of course, I think that the “Most Awesomest Mom Ever Library” would be a perfect name! The fact that he’s more interested in spending money on building a library (we both love books) than on cars and video games…or whatever other crazy thing most 9 year olds want to waste money on… is a pretty cool thing.

  238. Melanie Hitchcock at 1:08 pm

    I would love to nominate myself. I’m a stay at home mom but I’m basically single parenting right now. My husband (bless his heart) has been traveling and working from sun up until sundown so I’m taking care of both my kids all day and night. It’s tough but add holiday shopping and prepping for our trip to visit family for the holidays I’ve got a lot on my plate. This card would just help us a lot right and ease some of the stress.

  239. Heather Slater at 1:10 pm

    I’m doing good as a mom because my 3 kids (ages 3,4, and 5) are well fed, semi-clean and love to read. Ugh, this time of the year is tough – we are all pulled in so many directions that it becomes hard to excel at anything!

  240. Sinthya at 1:10 pm

    Every year, a group of friends and I get together to adopt a family for the holidays. Yesterday We delivered over $500 worth of gifts to a single mom and her 4 kids. I call that #doingood for sure

  241. Shian Smith at 1:14 pm

    I have had the same doubts when it comes to me and my 4 kids. My son, my oldest, will be 13 in January (I am in denial but to no avail it will still happen). I was single mom for the first 5 years of his life. I struggled, had some trials and tribulations. Throughout all of it he has remained positive, he is the peacemaker, the comforter. He is great to his younger siblings ( he has 7 between the 2 families, 5 of which are girls) he always puts them first. The biggest surprise and greatest indication that I must have done something right is happening for his birthday. He decided, instead of gifts, to do a canned food drive. Not only are we doing the canned food drive but we found a venue that will hold the event and 50% of the proceeds received during the designated time will go to an organization of his choice, he chose http://www.AzSTaR.org, a local search and rescue nonprofit organization. So I must have done something right, because he is amazing and I guess that makes me amazing too!

  242. Jessica Faulken at 1:17 pm

    I can be a very dramatic person and can blow something stupid way out of proportion. I am constantly trying to realize this and NOT hurt my kids’ feelings. But almost every night I snuggle with each of them in their bed and we talk about their day and it feels like it’s my redo. I love those moments.

  243. Casey at 1:17 pm

    I have an only child. Because of that we have a high risk of spoiling him rotten- its hard to keep it reeled in when there is only one. But that kid was going through the presents that are already under the tree and asked if he could pick one of his presents to give to the toy drive at school. What?!?! He wanted to randomly pick a wrapped present and give it away! He could have been giving up something awesome but didn’t care. Love that even though he may be given more presents then kids from multicolor homes he has such a good heart. #doinggood

  244. Kris Bonk at 1:23 pm

    I want to nominate my husband for doing a great job as a dad, to my oldest daughter as a stepdad of a 17 year old teenager (not easy!!), his own 10 year old daughter on a shared parenting schedule, and our newest addition, one year old Abby! He is outnumbered by women and works at two different fire houses, but is able to balance work with everyone’s schedules, including my own full time job, to make sure that everyone is taken care of,and has what they need, where and when they need it!!

  245. Danielle P at 1:24 pm

    My husband! He works hard to provide for our family and I’m able to be a stay at home mom. He’s also a volunteer EMT and volunteer fireman. Not only does he show us lots of love, he’s teaching his girls the value of working hard and lending a helping hand.

  246. Robin at 1:32 pm

    Parenting is by far the hardest job I have ever signed up for! My mom star is my mom. As a single mom she was always my idol growing up. She worked two jobs so that she could put food on the table, allow us to live in one of the safest neighborhoods to attend the best schools. Every thing she did, she did for me and my siblings. As a mother I trying every day to do as great a job as her but routinely I feel as though I fall short. No matter what she has taught me to try my best and be the best me I can be. For her and my kids I will do just that!

  247. Jodi LF at 1:33 pm

    My husband. We both work full time, run our businesses, raise our family , attempt to exercise, be good role models etc..and have little left at the end. Our kids are great but are naturally very needy ( 4 and 7) . I just give up sometimes at the end of the day, I feel like I have nothing left to give. h Unlike me, he always pops up when asked and plays ball or hockey or wrestles with them after dinner. I admire that. He pushes through the exhaustion every time.

  248. Tina F at 1:34 pm

    At one of my daughter’s conferences last year, her teacher was sure to tell me that my daughter went our of her way every day, to include a special needs girl in the classroom activities. And often played with her when no one else would. That meant more to me than anything else the teacher said during the conference. Maybe I’m doing something right too.

  249. Jessica E. at 1:46 pm

    All the mommies I know are amazing and do a wonderful job! Motherhood is a tough job!! We are constantly 2nd guessing ourselves! I think that if our children make it out alive and haven’t been in jail by the time they are 30… we are doing allllll right!! 😀

  250. Susan Scott at 1:53 pm

    At a travel basketball game last weekend, my son’s teammate was seriously injured, resulting in a broken leg. The Mom, Chrissy was phenomenal in the face of a crisis. Her son is also diabetic, so she had to monitor his blood sugar, keep him calm and oversee his care until the EMTs arrived. She did it all with grace and dignity! By the way, she is a widow, her husband was a veteran who’s been gone for 4 years now. She is a single parent of two young children and she is definitely #doinggood.

  251. Dara Cohen Koza at 2:01 pm

    My husband. He thinks he is the worst, but when I catch him and my son playing their guitars together or just giggling while reading a story, my heart melts!!

  252. Jackie at 2:07 pm

    I was up all night with a two year old who vomited pretty much everywhere but the toilet. And my husband was out of town. I think that counts.

  253. Tania at 2:09 pm

    I feel the same way about not doing things right but at Thanksgiving my daughter had both my husband and myself in tears when she said what she was thankful for. She is 5 and she said she was so happy we are her parents and thankful for everything we do for her and her younger brother and that she wants to be just like us when she grows up.

  254. Lori B at 2:13 pm

    My mother in law rocks! I am starting a new job next month, I’ve been out of work going to college. My mother in law has decided to help me with our kids by retiring so that she can pick them up from school so they don’t have to ride the bus or so we don’t have to pay after school care!

  255. Carla Garcia at 2:15 pm

    My cousin, Lori, is #doingood. She has recently taken custody/guardianship of her 3year old niece and 4month old nephew because her brother and his wife can’t get their s**t together and the kids were on their way to foster care. She already has 2 kids of her own so overnight she has doubled her babies. That’s #doingood.

  256. Tessa Martin at 2:15 pm

    You can keep the prize, donate it to a shelter whatever, but when 16&12 were younger I had the same doubts as a parent, we ALL do, but when I think my 2 teenage (almost) girls are going to drive me insane, I just listen to some of the other parents. That’s when I want to kiss the ground and realise how blessed and easy I’ve had it (and please God it stays that way) from 5 weeks both girls slept through the night, no problems in potty training, both girls are straight A students, brilliant reports all through school, no problems with their behaviour. In fact I am so blessed to have such good kids, hell im nearly 43 and not one grey hair! My girls aren’t Angels, they both have their moments but compared to some other kids, I have no reason to complain and please God it stays this way lol

  257. Caroline Bricken at 2:17 pm

    My mom was an awesome mom. She died last year of cancer. She was my best friend and I miss having my best friend. My mom wasn’t a mom to spend tons of time in the kitchen. She was a pizza take out mom but she would hang every photo in your house, style your crappy apartment, and put up your Christmas tree. She was a bit of a socialite and had a million friends and always looked beautiful. She spent money like she had it and lived everyday of her life like it was her last. Which is the opposite of me. I don’t even like saying hi to the neighbors, I look like I rolled out of bed and l pinch every penny. She coasted through life effortlessly and I always feel overwhelmed. After my first daughter was born she came to my house and brought 20 frozen meals. Not home made she bought them from a place. Everything was fancy and delishish. She always knew where to go. When she got sick I moved in with her and took care of her. We drove eachother mad in the last months and I wish I could of been her daughter and not her care giver. Although I was there I didn’t say goodbye to her because I was so tired and in a weird fog. I regret that a lot. All I could think is my mom would of done a better job. I’m so sad my kids will never know her and I fear I can never fill her shoes and be the mom she was.

  258. Sara at 2:29 pm

    Wow, how did you get in my head!? I swear I think I must be the worst mom out there sometimes! But there’s this; every night when I put my two youngest (of 5) to bed, I read stories, skip pages, and tell them to go to sleep. But before I’m allowed to dare leave the room, I have to go over everything we did that day. Sometimes I want to rush and just leave them to go to sleep, but when I talk about everything we did that day, I’m reminded that I did a pretty kick -a*s job after all. So yes, I’m nominating myself. Because I haven’t bought myself new clothes (besides maternity and nursing and my youngest is 13mos) in years, I hide in the bathroom to check my FB (like, um, now) and it’s about time I do something for myself! Heck, even if I don’t win, I’m still gonna go all crazy pants and go buy some new underwear. Yeah!

  259. Erica at 2:30 pm

    Oh goodness this is hard because I know so many parents who are #doingood.

    My husband is active duty in the US Army. I know it’s hard for leave our boys so much. I know he, like so many other servicemembers, feel like he’s missing out on some of the most important parts of their lives. It’s easy to see that he’s #doingood with them though. My son’s adore him and my older son emulates him in all the ways he can. I’m proud to call him my husband and the father of my children. He’s #doingood.

    I’m the many years I’ve been a military spouse I have met so many amazing women. They hold down the fort (pun intended) while their soldiers are away, take care of all of the needs of their children, and somehow keep life moving. One friend in particular really faces some unique challenges because all three of her children have medical conditions that can cause seizures and muscle weakness. She has spent countless nights in the hospital alone because her husband is away and she is far from family and friends. He children are beautiful and well rounded individuals. I know she worries for them every min of every day but she is #doingood. I am often in awe of her ability to hold it all together and am proud to say she is my friend.

    I guess i can include myself in this list of people who are #doingood. I feel it when my baby just looks at me and smiles that smile of pure trust and love. I feel it when my 3 yr old hugs me and says, “Mom, I love you,” out of the blue. If we all just sit and think a little we will find times where we can say, ” Yes! I’m #doingood.”

  260. Erica at 2:33 pm

    Wow I was trying to type this on my phone while my baby kicked me so please excuse all the typos. I’m embarrassed but I think you get what I’m trying to say.

  261. nonsequiturchica at 2:51 pm

    I think that ALL of us are #doingood. We all have various challenges, stresses, and obstacles in our life and yet our kids are alive and happy no matter the situation. Who cares if your life is not Pinterest-worthy; all that matters is that you love and take care of your kids.

  262. Angie Ward at 2:52 pm

    I think my niece is a kick a*s mom! She is a single mother to a 2 month old beautiful baby girl. She has spastic quadriplegia. Although it’s not as bad as it sounds, it will get worse. Much worse. It effects her legs and sometimes she falls so she doesn’t carry baby very often and is still a kick a*s mom. Baby is so smart and advancing beyond her age already. Even the dr says so. She also doesn’t drive but makes sure she gets herself and baby to all appointments and that baby has everything she needs. She is a kick a*s mom and I am so very, very proud of her!

  263. Lara Poe Norman at 3:00 pm

    I often feel like I’m doing everything wrong, but my kids are on the honor roll and they’re sweet. They are actually good kids, so I must be doing something right!

  264. Srujana at 3:13 pm

    I am not an awesome mom but, would like to share something that made me swell with pride. I have a beautiful toddler, work full-time, am going through a bad divorce and feel completely stressed. 99.99% of the time I feel like a failure because I could not do crafts with her, or, I let her watch too much TV, etc. Not to mention Mom guilt 🙁

    Over thanksgiving, we visited a friend who has a 10 month old. My daughter, the “take apart/destroy everything in sight” toddler became the gentle big sis. She insisted on giving the baby her bottle, successfully feeding her & sang lullaby’s too! That day I came back home, put my daughter to bed early and felt so good. I felt like I was doing at least something right and that maybe my daughter will be OK. I even forgot (for a second) that I still had 3 rainy days with her by myself….

  265. Jadie Lane at 3:18 pm

    My fiancé…because he is absolutely amazing with my two girls (not his biological children). My husband died so they are without their real dad and he has stepped in and done an amazing job!!! He’s actually a better dad/father figure than their real dad. He loves them to death and always takes time out of his day to play with them and nurture them. Plus, (my favorite part) every night he carries them one by one to bed, even though they are 9 and 5, up the stairs and tucks them in like a burrito and hugs and kisses them and tells them he loves them. I couldn’t be more proud of how awesome he is and the total payoff is that in about a month I am finally giving him a son. He is adopted so he’s never known anyone he’s blood related to. I’m so happy to do this for him! Please pick us we need it bad!!!

  266. Jazz at 3:40 pm

    Most moms are way to hard on themselves. If this thought-” if you are doing an ok job” even crosses your mind, in my opinion the fact that you care enough to consider that probably means you are.

  267. Heather Richey Essinger at 3:43 pm

    My mom was diagnosed with MS in 1982. It was so hard for her to keep up with everything going we as kids did. She went from walking with a cane to now using a motorized cart. She has never once given up and let us do what we wanted. She always made sure we were doing what was right. She has now continued the tradition with the grandkids. She will even play hockey in the driveway with them while she is in her chair!

  268. Jennifer Hall at 4:00 pm

    I have to give a shout out to my mom (and dad). I am a single parent and couldn’t raise my rugrats without their amazing and tremendous help. On days I feel like there needs to be three of me (one for each kid) my mom and dad both pitch in and take to music practice, watch basketball games, and even have their own date nights with my kids. I am so grateful to them, because I could not do all of this on my own!

  269. Kristina J. at 4:06 pm

    I can so relate to everything you’re saying!!! But in all seriousness, my husband is the best dad ever. I had three girls before meeting him. As a single mom, as much as I thought i had it together, I never ever ever knew how much my girls needed a strong man in their life until he came along. He is the greatest daddy to them. This past year we had twin girls. That’s right we now have 5 GIRLS… let that sink in all. Five girls ranging from 5 months to almost 10 years — needless to say it gets a little hectic in our house. But my husband is a trooper. He really does everything he can — from working 10+ hr days, to braiding hair and playing tea parties, to make sure our girls have absolutely everything they could possibly ever need (and usually want) So here’s to my husband — the most amazing, strongest, and patient man on earth. We’d be lost without him

  270. Krista Adamson-Roberts at 4:19 pm

    Glad I’m not the only one that feels like I’m failing daily… but we are all still alive and I actually made pot roast for dinner tonight so that counts right??

  271. Kristen at 4:21 pm

    My mother in law is #doingood this year for sure. Her children are mostly grown and out of the house, but her youngest just came out as transgender and she’s doing a lot more active parenting and supporting. She’s been unbelievably awesome, being both a parent and a best friend to her daughter, helping her in what is a very difficult and emotional time.

  272. Frankie O. at 4:33 pm

    My mom is the best mom ever and i know there are probably a lot of people that think that but she is amazing. There are four of us, with large gaps in between, there is 21 years between my littlest sister and myself. She is always so upbeat and having a good time, which makes even bad days better. She is always helping people and which is a great example for us about giving back. She works 6 days a week, sometimes 7 and always makes time for the kids and I don’t know how she does it. Whenever I have any questions about my kids she is always the first person I call. Now that I am older she is definitely one of my best friends but still knows how to put me in my place to remind me that she’s the parent.

  273. Paula at 4:38 pm

    Love your blog! You kill me every time! We all have those “I’m the worst mom moments” and then you girls visit a nursing home with girl scouts and are the only kids to go around to every single resident’s room to make sure that they get some flowers and hugs! Proud mommy moment! Makes up for all the crazy ones!

  274. Quincy Gregory at 4:48 pm

    I’ve felt like the worst mom in the world for months now. We lost our home recently. We moved into an apartment, but I know my oldest isn’t quite feeling like its home. And to make ends meet (or at least come closer to meeting), I took two jobs this month. One caring for a baby with cystic fibrosis during the day, and a night time job at an office supply store. I’m hoping that at the very least the extra work makes it possible to give my kids a Christmas.

    Sometimes when I’m feeling like I try so hard and get nowhere, I get really depressed. But today, my daughter told me “maybe you’ll get a hamster for Christmas. That would make you happy! You could take him to work in your pocket and think of me!”

    And that reminded me why I do it. My kids are my life :)qn

  275. Sarah Lefebvre at 4:50 pm

    2 little ones and we both work full time. I think we are doing well- kids are fed, clothed and (mostly) clean. The rest of the responsibilities….weeeell I’ll get to the cleaning eventually.

  276. Mollie Castellani at 5:44 pm

    My husband is #doinggood, he takes on all the mommy roles so I can do what I love and give back to the community by being a home care nurse..I never give him enough credit but it’s well deserved!

  277. Trish W at 5:46 pm

    I think my sister is doing a kickass job at parenting. She had four kiddos of her own and also the most precious foster baby who will hopefully join the family permanently in the next few months. I don’t know how she handles it’s it, but she seems to always look and act put together. I on the other hand have two boys and pregnant with a third and I could lose my s**t at any moment lol! #doingit

  278. Rachel at 6:00 pm

    I don’t have a specific person, but all the parents I know are doing a kickass job. Even when we lose our sh*t, we’re still doing the best we can and that’s good enough.

  279. Ana at 6:25 pm

    My best friend Melissa, who introduced me to your book and has made me love you forever, is a rock. Her husband is in Afganistan and she raises 3 boys on her own. She changes her own oil, does house repairs, takes her boys to football practice (and stays to watch) all while holding a job and keeping a good sense of humor. I know she doesn’t always feel she has her shi*t together, but she is an inspiration to moms everywhere 🙂

  280. Courtney Mehochko at 6:33 pm

    My mom has struggled with her relationship with her three kids at different times throughout our lives. She basically raised us on her own. Things weren’t always the way it maybe should have been but in the end none of that matters. My brother was in a severe car accident 5 years ago. He suffered a traumatic brain injury. My mom has changed her whole life so that she could be there for my brother so he can have a life he can be happy with. She is the perfect example of #doingood & I love her so much.

  281. Jenn at 6:40 pm

    My kids aren’t getting anything from me for Christmas this year and I’m not going to be able to cook a good meal, just potato soup. Instead of complaining or begging they both said that they didn’t need anything and that they didn’t care what we had for dinner. I have been a single mom to them most of their lives and always feel like I’m letting them down. I have never really been able to do much for Christmas but this year has been harder than any other. Even with working 3 jobs i cant seem to make ends meet. Never once have they asked for anything that wasnt really a need and in fact go without anything they can. I did something right because they know Christmas isn’t just about what you get.

  282. Maggie Bialowas at 6:41 pm

    My MIL is being a great mom and MomMom. She watches my 15-month old every day while I’m at work and meets with her therapists for Early Intervention too. She thanks ME for getting to spend time with Joy!

  283. Sophie at 6:50 pm

    My friend is an awesome mom to 3 young kids. She’s also a very strong person and a great friend – always there for everyone. Her husband died unexpectedly 2 years ago, and since then she has put herself through school, and is now working nights to provide for her family. Her niece, another friend, and I, take turns sleeping at her house, and watching the kids. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it’s enough, but we’re all doing our best (parents, family, friends, etc.), and that’s what matters.

  284. Ashley Heavener at 7:02 pm

    One of the students in my fifth grade class was caught bullying a female student about her weight. Immediately, after speaking to both children, I sent an e-mail to the mom of the bullying child to let her know about the issue. Whenever I send an e-mail these days, I brace for the “my child is an angel; it’s all of the 73,729,619 things YOU’RE doing wrong, Mrs. Teacher.” Instead, I get an immediate response of “Send him to the front office. Now.” Mom had INSTANTANEOUSLY put on her Supermom cape, come to school, waited for her child to finish eating his lunch, and then washed his mouth out with soap. In the school bathroom. She then came to me, showed me the rivets in the soap from his teeth and promptly wrote her phone number on the box of soap, which she presented to me “in case he even thinks about doing this again.” MOM WIN.

  285. Amber McCoy at 7:05 pm

    I feel like I’m falling as a mom but then my 12 yr old (which acts like everything I do is annoying and horribly embarrassing) went with me to the nursing home and visited with some of the dementia patients and brought them presents and was very patient and explained what each item was for when they looked like they had never seen anything like it before (like one lady was so confused about a scarf). There is a kind person in there! 🙂

  286. Marlene at 7:20 pm

    My husband. He always has time/patience for our 2 girls (and me!) even after a long day of work ❤️

  287. Brittany Hall at 7:42 pm

    I normally wouldn’t nominate myself for something like this but I felt I was #doinggood last night when my 2 year old daughter asked me for an apple for a snack. I know I definitely give her more “junk” food than I should but it made me so happy that she asked that!

  288. Samantha at 7:58 pm

    My Mom and Dad are amazing. Not only did they raise their own five kids but now they are raising four of their grandkids (not mine, I’m raising my own d**n kids because I’m an amazing mom 😉 but my sisters kids) because my sister has gone down a not so good path. They have taken it upon themselves to insure that these four beautiful children have a chance at a great life.

  289. Laura at 8:20 pm

    What a touching story. My father passed away three days before my 17th birthday, but prior to that was barely around. My mother was everything to me and although I have always loved her, it took me becoming a mother just to realize just how perfect of a mother she is and was. She provided for me throughout my entire life and was so selfless. She was always there for me despite all of the times I let her down and hurt her. We all have our faults, but I look at her with amazement in my eyes as well as admiration. I know that if I could just be half the mother she is, I’m on the right track. She is not only my best friend and the best mother a person could have, but now, she is also the best grandmother two beautiful boys could have.

  290. Alicia at 8:22 pm

    I wouldn’t normally nominate myself, but I know I must be doing something right when my daughter told me that for her 8th birthday party, she didn’t want her friends to bring her any gifts! Instead, she wanted them to each bring a book that she can donate to kids that don’t have any books to read (she loves to read and couldn’t imagine that some kids don’t have books).

  291. Stacy Callahan at 8:24 pm

    My husband is my amazing parent! I travel for work and typically am away from home Monday thru Thursday. My husband is a stay at home dad and has given me the ability to continue growing my career. Even though it is hard for me to be away from them, I know our adorable, crazy 2 year old daughter is safe and loved because he is there always.

  292. heidi at 8:25 pm

    I have a student in my class who grew up in a refugee camp in Lebanon. He’s 7. His mom has cancer. One of his brothers has special needs. He has some tough behavior issues. Mom speaks very little English and money is tight. But mom reaches out to the school, even though it’s uncomfortable, because she loves her son. And that love shines through in everything she does. And he adores his mom. He just lights up when she is near. It’s really, really beautiful to see. A mother’s love knows no boundaries.

  293. Annie at 8:25 pm

    My brother, after everything hes been through he is an awesome kick a*s dad to his daughter, they are best of friends and hes also the best godfather a little boy could alhave. We love uncle bacon 🙂 (its really his nickname lol)

  294. Jean Pavek at 8:39 pm

    My 6 year old daughter has sensory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and anxiety disorder.. 2 weeks before her 6th birthday we FINALLY were able to throw away the diapers!!!! Being a parents is a tough thing… And to each and every one of you… No matter what people say you are doing an amazing job!! Keep your heads held high and never let anyone see you cry… Have a good night everyone 🙂

  295. Allison at 8:55 pm

    My brother in law was widowed when my sister passed away, leaving him with a 2 1/2 year old to raise. Two years ago he remarried a wonderful woman. I’m going to recognize the both of them…my brother in law for always putting my niece first and his wife for loving my niece unconditionally. it takes a special kind of person to be able to do that.

  296. Linda DeRose at 9:00 pm

    My mom passed away when my sister was 10. She had a rough adolescence and eventually came to live with me. I am 10 years older than she is so to say that I was ill equipped to take care of her was an understatement. We made it work through love and support. I nominate my sister…she is a thoughtful caring person who not only overcame obstacles in her childhood but rose above them. She is raising 2 great kids and successfully completed college and is now a nurse that puts her caring personality to good use. She is awesome and I am lucky to have her as my sister and best friend.

  297. Heather Garcia at 9:04 pm

    I am so incredibly thankful for my mommy friends, because being a mom is the hardest job I have ever had. Being able to text or message these ladies and vent about my 8 year old rolling her eyes and saying WHATEVER, and not being judged for hiding in the bathroom while I cry wondering what I am doing wrong.

  298. Stacy Scanlon at 9:43 pm

    I think I’m the worst mother ever on a daily sometimes hourly basis. But whenever I read one of your posts I always feel better- NOT because I think “oh goody- she’s worse than me,” but because I realize I’m not alone in this crazy battle called motherhood. You say things I’m thinking, share experiences that I can totally relate to, and you remind me to laugh. That being a mother is hard but it’s also fun and rewarding (usually). I try to remember that all moms are part of a team- we are all going through this and we need to be kind to each other. We need to support each other, laugh with each other and cry with each other; not tear each other down. That just makes every mom’s job harder. Thank you for keeping it real!

    I want to nominate by best friend and true soul sister for the prize pack. Her name is Julie Fontaine and she lives in Massachusetts. We’ve been friends for almost 20 years now. She was the first person I called when I found out I was pregnant (even before my husband). I had been told by doctors I shouldn’t get pregnant due to a previously undiagnosed autoimmune disorder. I was in shock when I found out that despite our efforts to not get pregnant I was in fact going to have a baby. She was with me every step of the way. When I developed preeclampsia and had to deliver 8 weeks early she was the first person at the hospital. She became Auntie Julie and was a second mom to my daughter as I recovered from kidney failure as a result of the pregnancy.

    I wasn’t there when she gave birth to either of her beautiful children. We had moved 3000 miles away to California. Her oldest has severe food allergies. They discovered his dairy allergy while he was still in the womb. She gave up all dairy (including ice cream!) After the rest of his allergies were diagnosed she became a chef. He rarely feels deprived when other kids are eating things he can’t have. Everything she makes is amazing. He accepts his allergies in a way most kids could not. I would want to keep my kid in a bubble but he goes about his life like any other 8 year old boy. For as much as he is an even-keeled, compassionate and unusually mature kid his little sister is well, more spirited. What I truly love about Julie as a mother is she gives each of her kids exactly what it is they need. They are never coddled, there are natural consequences when they make a bad choice and they are unconditionally loved. Both her and her husband work, money is tight, but she soldiers on and her kids are healthy and happy. This last summer we were able to fly her and the kids out to visit us. Every minute I watched her with her kids I was in awe of her grace as a mom. I know she struggles and I know it’s not always unicorns and rainbows. But she is without a doubt the kind of mom I strive to be!

  299. Momx2 at 9:50 pm

    There is a mom at my daughters school who has a 4 yr old and twin 1 yr old little ones. She has her plate full to say the least! One of the twins was recently diagnosed w/cerebral palsy and has needed a ton of therapy and doctors appointments lately. This mom is doing an amazing job keeping it together and doing the best she can for her family every single day. She really is an amazing woman and she has been having a difficult time with the realization that her little one may not be able to have the type of life she envisioned for her. That is a tough pill to swallow. But, she is keeping her chin up and celebrating all the accomplishments that have come this far. Inspirational is a word that comes to mind. Moms are awesome. Dads too ?!

  300. Laura G. at 9:59 pm

    Our local elementary school gives out prizes for character development. My firstborn child started at that school in kindergarten and received a character development prize in 4th grade, shortly before the teacher emailed the class asking if anyone’s child had not received one of these awards yet. In kindergarten my daughter won the prize for being “kindest”. In first grade she told me that she thought she was being recognized again and I told her that I thought they had to recognize everyone first. I did not attend the ceremony and missed seeing her recognized (again) for her kindness.Luckily for me, my daughter’s Reading Buddy won the 4th grade “kindest” prize and her mom took photos of both girls together. Happy my daughter is turning out ok, that she had such a nice reading buddy and that her reading buddy’s mom took time to make my daughter feel special too.

  301. Nicole at 10:18 pm

    If you’re trying – you’re doing okay. We’re all doing okay!

  302. MONICA P at 10:41 pm

    My mom is my inspiration. She does everything for us kids and is always making sure we are happy, even now that we are adults. As a parent now, i hope to be as good a mom as mine was.

  303. Joan Trujillo at 11:51 pm

    My husband has to fill the role of Mommy & Daddy quite often as I have a degenerative disorder and am losing the use of my hands. After a long day at work, he will come home, cook dinner, clean up, AND do Common Core Math with our daughter!! He is Doin’ Good!!! ❤️

  304. Laura Breski at 12:01 am

    I like to think I have kickass Mommy moments, but I have a friend who I truly believe is one of the most kickass mommies on the planet. I’ve known her since we were kids and she has been through a lot but still manages to be the best mom to her kids. She lost her first son to SIDS when he was 5 months, her 2nd son has severe autism, she just had her 3rd son over the summer, and she is also raising the most loving little girl who looks out for her younger brothers. My friend quit her job to devote more time to her autistic son (and her entire family). She still contributes financially by making amazing cakes for special occassions, and she is self-taught. I totally admire her and strive to be even a fraction of the mother she is to all of her children 🙂

  305. Tracee Tyler at 3:53 am

    I I know my mom is #doingood because she adopted me, a special needs woman with Turner’s Syndrome, when she already had three kids of her own. Oh, and PS, she raised us (and adopted me) as a single parent!

  306. christy at 4:17 am

    My husband. I recently decided to go back to work afafter being a stay at home mother for 7 years. My husband has been cooking suppers and doing laundry (including folding!!!). He has been the best supporter as I make this transformation, and work full time. Which, for the first time ever, I have a job that includes insurance for the whole family. So, I nominate my husband. He’s amazing. #doingood

  307. Katie Wolman at 4:44 am

    My Mom is doing an amazing job caring for my Dad who is slowly dying of an incurable, basically untreatable neurodegenerative disease. She wants him to remain at home through this and we are all trying to support her. She is exhausted and depressed, but she has continued to make his life important. She is miraculous, because she still thinks of others.

  308. Ahbleza at 5:42 am

    My friend Beth is doing good. No, she’s doing great! With 2 boys, 3 & 5, and a baby girl, 3 mos, she manages to regularly shower and eat, home school her oldest, and get her rug rats out of the house for fun play time pretty much every day! As a first time momma of 1 (5 month old, preemie) I am totally inspired by her! I’m still terrified at the thought of having more, but she makes it look almost easy.

  309. Dawn V at 5:54 am

    My sister issuing a good job. She started a Christmas tradition with my nephew years ago where they do advent calendar of giving acts. The little b****r now begs to do things like ring the bell for the Salvation Army or to deliver meals on wheels.

  310. Julie at 6:20 am

    I’m doing something wrong ~ my 23 year old daughter hasn’t moved out yet!!

  311. Wiggle Worm at 7:32 am

    My best fiend is pregnant with her third boy and still treats every child she encounters at the school she works at like another of her own children, and acts as a friend/mom to the majority of the female youth at our church even once they’ve graduated. I am in awe of her.

  312. I really DO Heart my little A-Holes! at 7:49 am

    Dang! Offer a little $$ and everyone is your biggest fan 😉 *But seriously, thanks! And thanks to Minute Maid and Coca-Cola too. Ho Ho Ho. My husband travels a LOT for work. And I work 4 days a week supporting an upper level executive (who is sent from heaven and let’s me have a 3 days weekend with my munchkins). This week has been really hard… Christmas stuff, parties, events to plan, kids to bathe, feed, teach how to be good humans, and the hubs is gone… But! Guess What! He came home for a surprise 2 hours yesterday… like drove for 5 hours to be home for 2 bc he knows I’m losing my $h!t. So my #doinggood is a shout out to the hubster for helping… even when he really couldnt!

  313. Debbie Wilson at 8:03 am

    Despite a lot of mistakes, I must have done something right. My kids are turning into awesome adults! I worry about the boy, but slowly a good man is emerging.

  314. Heather at 8:26 am

    I just had a doing good moment last night when my son was at basketball practice and an autistic not from another school was there and he was the one kid being nice and the boy asked if he wod be friends and even offered my son a dollar for that, which my son said no money was needed! Loved this and it made me cry!

  315. Colleen Koulentes at 8:56 am

    You are awesome. Anyone who does everything “perfectly” is screwing their kid up. We imperfect moms are building resilience. With that I want to give a shout out to a single mom I know who takes care of her triplet high school boys and junior high daughter. 2 of her boys have significant physical and cognitive impairments. Thus never complains. This mom doesn’t feel sorry for herself but grateful. Her kids are sweet, happy and compassionate. They get it from there mom and her positive spirit. Kate Campbell may not be “perfect” but she is doing a d**n good job with her kids!!!!!

  316. Sarah at 9:03 am

    My daughter is 10 years old and is an only child. I always feel like the “bad guy” because I’m the main disciplinary parent, I’m a stay at home mom. So I feel I’m doing everything wrong and do no right. But from the time she started pre-k to today, I hear from teachers and parents of students on how kind hearted and respectful she is to others (even when others aren’t to kind to her) My first memory is when she was in pre-k. They were going around to local businesses trick or treating for Halloween. When I went to pick her up, the teacher pulled me aside and said that my daughter said please and thank-you to every single person they went to, and she was the only one that did!! Talk about a proud Mom moment! Even now we hear how kind and respectful she is to others. With that I know I’m #doingood as a Momma!

  317. Chenise at 9:18 am

    my mom is doing a great job! she always has and now she’s an amazing grandmother to my daughter!!

  318. Monica at 11:11 am

    I have 3 boys. My oldest is 13 with autism, and the others are 11 and 8. I think all the time that I suck at this whole mom thing. When my son was diagnosed with autism at 3, I realized that maybe I wasn’t the worst mom in the world and there was an explanation for why he was so out of control. I have fought like hell for him to get the services he needs, and he will be going to high school next year. I am proud to say that he is an honor student and has many friends and the teachers comment all the time about how polite and helpful he is. We’ve come a long way and still have a long road ahead, and I still suck at this sometimes. 🙂

  319. saraann200 at 12:00 pm

    My doula now has a 4 week old son, and has struggled with breastfeeding. She’s trying so hard to make it work through tough circumstances — she’s a great job!

  320. Kimberle O'Bryan at 12:12 pm

    My son complained one day that the new neighbor next door yelled at him and some other kids cause they rollerbladed on her driveway when he was ten. A few days later, I looked out the window and saw him laying under her car with tools on the ground. I went out and asked him what he thought he was doing (praying that he wasn’t “fixing” her brakes!) and he said he was changing her oil. So I asked, 1) does she know you’re doing this?, and 2) do you know how to do that? He said “yes mom, I watched dad”, then he added that her kids didn’t have a dad, so someone needed to take care of them! I then knew I wasn’t doing to bad as a Mom! And, of course, I had my husband check it when he got home, but didn’t let my son know, he said he did a great job, but now we needed to go buy some more oil for our cars!

  321. Alicia at 12:23 pm

    A friend of mine is a single mom who has managed to save enough to buy a house for her and her kids, after having to stay with friends for a couple of years. She keeps them in school, involved in sports and dance, driving long distances to her job, all at expense of doing things for herself. #doingood

  322. Doris at 1:32 pm

    #doinggood is my mother in law! She puts all the kids and grandkids before herself and is incredibly generous with everyone. She loves spoiling everyone!

  323. Autumn at 2:59 pm

    My mom is amazing. She did much of the parenting solo in our house. I mean, my dad was there but he worked out of state a lot and we had huge problems later in our family… so my mom was the one that was truly raising us… To this day, she still takes care of my older sister and her kids (ages 40, 17 and 10.. mom is 60). She would never see one of us living on the streets, EVER. She loves us unconditionally. She has loaned me money countless times and I never can pay her back… but she helps us even when it is hard for her to. Every year I always want to do something big for her birthday or Christmas…. but I never can afford it because my kids birthdays are right at Christmas time so everything hits me hard… yet, every year she sends stuff to the kids for birthdays and Christmas and I know it’s hard for her to do it. It breaks my heart I cannot do more for her. She’s the best mom in the world and I’m probably the shittiest kid to have. I don’t want to win this for me, I want to win this for her. She deserves something for herself for once in her life. I love her so much. I told her that she isn’t allowed to go before me, and if she does they might as well dig 2 graves!

  324. Carrie at 4:25 pm

    Divorced Mom of 2…I cry most nights thinking of all the things I screwed up that day pertaining to the kids: forgot to pack a lunch; didn’t give a long enough hug goodbye; missing the music program to attend a work conference. The kids remind me of all the things I do wrong, too. I know it will get better. I watch them interact with the world and see their kind-hearted spirits, bright and stubborn personalities, and their knowledge of so many things. It will be okay. They are doing okay, more than okay. I am and will be okay!

  325. Jill at 8:16 pm

    My husband, who I sometimes give s**t to for his “husband’s Intuition” (which is the exact opposite of mother’s intuition), but just pulled an all-nighter with me and our oldest who got hit with the stomach bug. We cleaned up bodily fluids til 4am while juggling 3 kids. Until 4am. Grossest bout ever. And he made it all ok by just silently helping and making me laugh at how ridiculous it all was.

  326. Felicia Clark at 8:21 pm

    I honestly don’t even know where to start! I have 4 kid’s of my very own and a stepson.Ages 9,9,8,7,4. Ohh lord someday’s I could lituarally pull out every string of hair attached to my head!! For instant right now! The kid’s have been put to bed 900 million time’s and still acting like I do not exist.well first thing I blurt out is that is it I am done!! Do not speak to me tomorrow, Do not ask for a snack, Do not even look at me because I am so mad. I gmhead toward’s my get away room (The Bathroom, and my four year old son scream’s out (Fine then mommy, I don’t like u anymore you’re a chicken nugget!! I am like are u serious? He say’s nope don’t speak to me all I like is Daddy! I am like hum and shut the bathroom door. By then I am tore up bc I feel shitty that I just became the worst mother ever! That’s not all!! My 7 year old daughter tell’s me this morning it is pajama day at school!! I say no it is not, she throws a fit arguing it is. ( honesty I thought it was tomorrow) so I put her in blue jean’s and she crying all the way to school! I leave and start thinking omg what if she is right? What if I just sent her in blue jean’s to school crying bc today was pajama day!! I go to pick them up andI will be damned I the WHOLE kindergarten class did not come out in there pajama’s.all but my daughter. First thing she say’s is I told u so, u madw me look stupid today!! Oh geez.#1worstmom reward goes to ME!! i have a son 8, with Down syndrome, everybody elses parents can throw up sign language bc thats what the speech therapist would like done!! Not this momma , I suck at it!! I have tried but yet to succeed. So once again I am standing there like I swear it aint because I have not tried.I mean I can go on and on bout me being the wonderful mother of 5 little rugrat’s but I will let it end saying.I have deffently realized I prob do not deserve the mother of the year reward. But I try my hardest to be the best I can be and at the end the day they still need, and want there mommy.and that-s all I need myself is my babies.

  327. Megan at 8:41 pm

    My mom is my awesome parent. My girls are 5 and 7 and I still call her ALLLLL the time to ask her advice!!!

  328. Donna Engebos at 8:55 pm

    “If you can, you should.” That is my motto when it comes to helping others. I volunteer in both my kids classrooms, am both their basketball and teeball coaches, and sometimes I don’t lose my s**t when they are fighting constantly over who did something no one else in the world gives a rats a*s about.

  329. Stephanie at 10:34 pm

    I am so blessed to be surrounded by some of the most amazing mom’s who serve as my role models, inspiration, and support system. My own mother, sisters, and close girlfriends are all wonderful strong mom’s and all inspire and encourage me in different ways. One of my best friends battled cancer in her oldest son when he was just 1 year old, and went on to have 2 more kids while juggling his health issues and also working to help provide for the family while her husband finished school. Yet she never complained or looked for pity, she just did what she had to do with a smile on her face…talk about strength!

  330. Brooke at 11:42 pm

    My son has been late to school 7 times in one trimester. It’s always by a minute but it feeds his anxiety of tardiness and starts his school day panicky. His actual day starts an hour earlier with me telling him 900 times to get out of bed and for God’s sake you don’t have pants on yet?! The school has a dress code and it’s not just socks. Then there’s the rush of eat you toast because a full blown breakfast isn’t possible in 10 minutes, brush your teeth with YOUR toothbrush….actually move it around, put on your shoes…your tie shoes…ya know whT? Screw it, Velcro shoes…we have 1 minute to get out the door. Where are your sisters? Carp, the baby pooped, the toddler is scaling the christmas tree, and somehow I failed to reAlize you put on a pair of pants two sizes too small. We’re late.
    Then, after school the girl you like is gifted with jewelry from another boy in class. On the walk home home you tell me this little boy doesn’t know what real love it because “it’s not jewels or rings. It’s being brave, taking risks, and being helpful.” Wise words from a 7 year old boy. So my husband and I must be doing something right.

  331. Becky at 12:44 am

    I’m not a Mom, but have wonderful nephews who are the closest to kids I’ll ever have. This year I was able to tell them that I’m giving them my car so they’ll have a safe car to drive when they learn to drive in April. I’m so thankful for my family for making it possible for me to do that, and thankful for my sister for being a great Mom to my favorite 2 boys. She’s always busy with their soccer, football and basketball games and practices and she’s always proud of them for how hard they practice and how much they apply themselves. I’ve always been glad to live close and be able to see them and know what’s going on in their lives. I look forward to all the fun milestones the boys have in their futures! They’re good, athletic, smart kids who love so much and care about their family, which makes me so very proud of them. I love them so much and wish the world for them. My Mom is also fabulous. She supports my sister and I in everything we do. I have medical problems and she’s my support. She is there for me so much. I know it’s hard for her to not be able to do anything to fix me, but she does everything she can and I love her for that. Both my Mom and sister are always #doingood for our family.

  332. Monica at 6:53 am

    I love your blog! It never fails to make me laugh!

    I know this girl who was part of a foster family when she was growing up, although I am pretty sure she was an original. But they never made any of their children feel left out or unspecial or not like true family. Well, now this girl is grown up, and has started a family of her own. She has two or three foster kids, and a couple more of her own, and one brewing in the oven! She is a stay at home mom, teaches her kids all the necessities to life, plus home schools them all! Her husband is a great guy who works a very full time job, but at least is able to get his hours in four days and have three days off unless he has to travel far for special things. I envy her. She is so brave. I wish she knew about this blog. Oh yea! She even makes her own clothes for the kids, and even let’s them help design it!

  333. Jamie at 10:36 am

    My husband is #doingood we are first time parents with a 4 month old baby girl. She has had a favorite song for a few months now which is “chop suey” by system of a down (I know, horrible. But whatever works!) We play this song to get her to sleep or just to calm her down and it works every time! One day, she would not stop crying no matter what I did so I get out my phone to play her song but none of my apps were working…NOOO! I called my husband, who was at work, and put him on speaker phone while he sang the ENTIRE “chop suey” song to her! Soon enough she was asleep!! And by the way, he works construction. Can you just imagine a tough construction guy singing to his daughter in front of all these other men?! MELTED MY HEART! Yep, I’d say he’s #doingood

  334. Jessica Betke at 3:05 pm

    A friend of mine lost her husband a few months ago. She was a stay-at-home mom to 7 (yes SEVEN) kids, ranging in age from 6-17. She lived in a nice, new house in a nice neighborhood, some of her kids went to a private school. She hadn’t worked (outside of being a mom) in over 10 years. The family didn’t have savings, didn’t have life insurance.. When her husband unexpectedly died, her entire life changed, drastically. She and her kids had to move into an apartment, and she had to find a way to support herself and seven kids, one who was just about to go to college. She has had to be both mom and dad to her kids, she has had to hold it together so they wouldn’t fall apart. Her strength amazes me. I see her at school functions and think about how lonely she must feel, how afraid of the future she must be. Her entire family lives several hours away, but she didn’t want to move because she didn’t want to upset her kids lives any more than she had to. I just hope she knows she is #doingood

  335. A. C. at 3:35 pm

    I’m constantly racing against the clock, always behind, always forgetting things, the house is an eternal mess, the yard is an embarrassment to the neighborhood, but my kids are fed, clean(ish), and well-loved, so that’s something, right?

  336. Jennifer webb at 3:49 pm

    To all my student’s parents- y’all are doing a good job and I don’t judge you when you can’t come to the class party or if you forget to help your kid with their homework. I get it- I work and never get to go to my kid’s parties at school!

  337. Crystal Meachum at 4:05 pm

    I think my ex-sister inlaw is a kick a*s mom. 3 years ago she lost her husband right before Christmas. There she was with a new born and a 2 year old. Not even 2 months after her husband died my 2 year old nephew was diagnosed with cancer.. “Nuroblastoma”. I watched her for 2 years fight insurance companies and go back and forth to Johns Hopkins. She worked as much as she could while spending endless amounts of time away from her little girl. At one point she lived by Hopkins while Bohde was going through treatments. She had her moments where she would break but were rare from what I seen. No matter what was thrown at her she worked through it. Bohde died a little over a year ago. What would’ve broke a lot of us she somehow kept going. She has been raising money to have a playground built at a new park in our community in memory of Bohde. She puts herself out there every chance she can to help others. She constantly posts pics of her husband and Boh as well as talks about them all the time. My little niece is a fire cracker! She knows all about her brother and dad. She is a sweet little girl but more so lucky to have such a strong and good hearted mom to look up to. So I nominate Jami Henley. She is an inspiration to me as well as so many more.

  338. Sarah at 7:31 pm

    My bestie – Sara – is doing a kick a*s raising her girls. Her hubby travels a lot and she has a full time job and her kids have extra curricular activities but she gets up at 4:30AM every day for barn chores, gets in a killer work out and still manages to be a sane human being when they get home from school. They are well behaved, well rounded, smart kiddos and it’s because of her. Meanwhile if it were me – I would be a form of satan screaming at everyone. She’s a kick a*s mom.

  339. theberghamchronicles at 12:15 am

    I’m chronically I’ll, and cannot do nearly as much as I should. My better half picks up my slack and carries his own weight. He is the best dad to our daughter. He takes time to teach her things, play with her, be silly with her. He’s so good with her. I know that once I’m gone one day, she will be cared for amazingly well. He never complains, he simply does everything with love.

  340. Cami at 1:06 pm

    My son is raising an infant solo. I see nothing but love when he looks at his son. I couldn’t be more proud if I tried! #doingood

  341. Aufia at 1:17 pm

    I’ve been reading your blog for a while now and I absolutely love it! I actually mentioned it in one of my college essays.

  342. Lindsay Lohagen at 2:20 am

    My sister in law is doing the most amazing job being a single mom. She is mom she is dad. She worked her b**t off to put herself through barbering school while being a single mom. She know has the career she always wanted is moving into her own apartment next month. No roommate just her and her daughter. So proud of her and how far she has come in the last 5 years!!!

  343. billy at 10:44 am

    just hitting puberty earlier means your kid will turn into a s**t earlier 🙂 gl w***e