What is Mediocre?

One of the first feedbacks I was given in this quest was from that of my husband.  He wondered if the whole “mediocre” persona truly fit me.  After all, he reasoned in his usual sarcastic way, that I was not really mediocre inasmuch as I was not a high-strung, hyper-vigilent, “pinterest perfect” mother.  (To be fair, he may just have been buttering me up).  Nevertheless, it does beg the question: what do I mean by “mediocre”?

Mediocre can have a somewhat negative connotation, but is actually defined as “middling, ordinary, unremarkable”.  I was also, according to the online dictionary, given synonyms of “commonplace, everyday, and run-of-the-mill”.  If you look up the definition of many of these terms, you will find a common one: “average”.  You will also find the synonyms “natural, normal, and obvious”.  In sum, mediocre parenting and mediocre motherhood is not by definition bad but rather one that is in the middle of a giant bell curve and perfectly good enough.

It is this good-enough parenting style that I wish to convey through this site.  If even a handful of mothers out there feel less stressed and miserable parenting because they read something that resonates on this site with them, then it will all be worthwhile.  Thus, when I say that I want moms to “embrace mediocrity”, what I am really telling them is that it is ok to be an average parent.

The truth is, no one gives you a gold star or a giant trophy when your child turns eighteen saying “best mom”.  (Actually, you could probably get one at party city for a dollar, but it breaks pretty easily).  It’s not like your parenting life magically ends when they graduate from high school.  (Ask my parents.  Heck, ask yours).   As a consequence, when your child graduates, there is not a separate valedictorian award for moms.  I suppose some will make the argument that the “best moms” get their kids into the “best schools”.  But even that’s not an automatic given.  There are many factors that go into that algorithm, and I am pretty sure pinterest-worthy snacks and volunteer awards don’t go into it.  At the end of the road, what the child really needs is something that cannot be measured in the world of perfect parenting: love and support.  It is this that I put at the center of mediocre mothering; let go of all of the fluff and noise that adds little value to your child’s life and only bolsters your value in the mothering community.  Instead, use that energy where it really matters-with your children.  This is the message I am trying to convey; this is the meaning of mediocrity.

• About
• Latest Posts

Follow Me

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!

Follow Me

Latest posts by Wendy Marcus (see all)

• THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH LEGOS - April 25, 2017
• Examining Equality in the Practice of Law: The Scales of Justice are Still Not Balanced - April 8, 2017
• Dear America:I think it’s time to consider a divorce - January 26, 2017