They’re Not “Bad Moms”….They’re Perfectly Mediocre

by Wendy Marcus · Published May 4, 2016 · Updated May 4, 2016

In case you missed it, the trailer for the upcoming movie “Bad Moms”, debuting on July 29^th, 2016, has been released. I appreciate the title and what they are going for. It certainly evoked some laughs out of me, particularly as to the stupidity of the bake-sale rules. (While my daughter’s school isn’t as stringent in bake sales, I have noticed that all elementary schools have managed to suck the (sugared) fun right out of every holiday since I’ve been a kid). It went off the rails a bit with the crazy partying scenes, but the overall message, stated in the trailer, is clear:

“We all work too damn hard trying to make our kids’ lives amazing and magical…their lives already are amazing and magical.”

I think what the movie is trying to convey is the same message as mine: it’s alright to be a perfectly mediocre mom. Your children are not going to die from having some sweets and sugar. Every part of their day does not need to be over-scheduled like a bucket list of a dying person. I think our generation works so hard at making our kids’ lives magical. If you don’t believe me, attend a few child birthday parties in your neighborhood. When my daughter was in preschool (yep, the party circuit begins there), the events were held at various entertainment centers and gyms. There was an organized schedule, from the start of the party to the end, all centered around the birthday kid. There was no free play of any kind. The goody bags alone were completely decked out and had to be more than twenty dollars a pop. In some cases, they were probably more than I spent on the birthday kid’s present. I knew they were becoming ridiculous when my daughter, then three or four, remarked that at birthday parties “you give a present, you get a present”. I had to dispel her of this notion. I was relieved to get one party invitation that was to be held at the child’s home, only to find three bouncy houses, two super-heroes, a balloon artist, a magician, and a fully catered event. (No, I am not exaggerating). And this was for a four-year-old.

Do our children really need such frivolity? I know it’s their special day, but how much are they going to even remember, particularly the younger kids, toddlers, and babies. Especially in those cases, over-the-top birthday parties only serve as a display of motherly love to society. The child would have been happy with a present and a piece of cake.

I think that it’s sentiments like these that the movie is trying to get across. In many cases, spending time with your children is enough. What they want and need from you is time, not grandiose gestures of your love.

As for the party scenes? Hey, moms need a break too. See my previous post: Putting the Me in Mediocre Parenting. In any case, if the mommy sites on Facebook are any indication, I don’t think it’s a deal-breaker. A large majority of the mothers I rub shoulders with seem extremely interested. As for the others who are disdainful of the movie, maybe they will come out with another movie for them, “bitch moms”. Did I say that out loud?? Whoops.

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Wendy Marcus

I am a non-pinterest, domestically challenged working mother of three kids under the age of ten. Tired of today's hyper-vigilant and one-size-fits-all parenting, I have decided to be the face of a new movement where we celebrate and value those mediocre moments of motherhood instead of obsessing about some random standard of perfection. I strive to be a superhero, freeing other moms from these societal stresses and pressures. I desire to have my voice heard to effectuate change in parenting standards and attitudes.

I am mediocre mom!