About Rebecca Eckler
Since becoming pregnant with her daughter Rowan, Canadian journalist and author Rebecca Eckler has penned three hilarious books, including the best-selling Knocked Up. Catch Rebecca’s weekly unique perspective on motherhood and single parenthood.
“Cool Mommy” Rebecca is no longer. I don’t know what happened but I am now one of those mothers. It’s not that I didn’t care about my daughter’s well being, it’s just that I was a hell of a lot more laid back.
Yes, I care that my daughter listens to her teachers, but if we miss homework a few nights, I don’t really care. Sure, I want her to eat healthy, but if she wants pancakes for dinner, then I’m fine with that. She wants to put a piece of toast in the mailbox (true story)? Then, well, I’m laughing along as she puts it in. I, too, want to know where the piece of toast would end up. I know school is important, but if mommy really needs a break, I will take her out of school for a few days to go on vacation with me.
But in the last year, I’ve realized that I am now ONE OF THOSE MOTHERS. Dear God, what has happened? Here’s a taste of what I’ve done in recent months.
1) When my daughter fell during skating at school, I went in the following week, talked to FOUR teachers, making sure they’re all to watch out for her on the rink.
2) I recently sent an email to a teacher mentioning that my daughter was disappointed to get only ONE line in a school play. (I didn’t demand that the teacher change anything, but I did send the email about how disappointed my daughter was.)
3) On the bus recently, a cranky woman told my daughter to “WATCH OUT” after she knocked into her by accident. This, during rush hour. I spoke back to the cranky woman saying, “My daughter is seven! We’re on a bus! It was an accident. So chill.”
4) When a man didn’t see my daughter and knocked her over on the street, I actually told him that he should apologize to her.
5) I actually look into my daughter’s desk at school, once a week, to see what she’s been learning. (I’m sure the teacher doesn’t care, but I do come across as a “helicopter parent” looking at every notebook in her desk.)
6) I also called a teacher, after a bully at my daughter’s school kept pushing her (maybe he had a crush?), saying that my daughter was not to be seated next to him.
7) I have now started most of my sentences with friends with, “I just have to tell you what Rowan said the other day….”
And that’s just the stuff I can remember. So, mothers, does this happen to all of us? Honestly, I can’t help but look out for my daughter. I can’t help from sending out emails to teachers when I’m concerned about something. I can’t help but talk about her and brag about her. Yes, I’ve definitely turned into “ONE OF THOSE” mothers, without even realizing it. Have you?