That unwritten rule that tells your inner child to think big, to look ahead, and to always have that “while we’re at it” mindset ready. Because you know that many times, it’s literally saved your life—or just dinner, if we want to keep it chill.
At the grocery store, for example, when snacks are on sale, you grab some—anyway, they’re always eating them. Hearing “Mom, I’m hungry!” is totally normal. When they become teens, it’s the same thing, but they kick it up a notch: “Mom, I’m hungry! There’s literally nothing to eat here!” At Costco—a classic—you go in for two or three things, but in the end, you walk out with T-shirts, books, a set of skillets, herbs, a giant pie, two bottles of wine, your winter boots… in short, just don’t show the receipt to your boyfriend: you know that in the end, you’ll have justified your purchases—maybe just in a month or two for your boots (they’re just too cute)—but shh, don’t tell him!
Same thing when you walk into the pharmacy: while you’re waiting for your pills, you wander around and “what do I see? A hair dye on sale, my foundation, a discount on tissues”… so the pharmacist ends up coming to get you to tell you it’s ready, but at least you thought of everything. Darn! Sunscreen—next time.
Always have some popcorn on standby for those weekends when you’re just way too exhausted, and your only option for being a cool mom without putting too much pressure on yourself is to put on a movie in your pajamas with popcorn. Being prepared might just give you a nice, quiet little evening. Or when the kids are staying with Grandpa and Grandma for an afternoon—well, while you’re at it, pack extra clothes and pajamas in case they want to stay the night! That’s when your two bottles of wine from Costco come in handy—a romantic dinner at home, without the kids.
So listen to that little voice—it’s your ally who’ll never let you down, who helps you plan everything and gives you a Plan B in case things go awry, but most of all, who lets you be the best, most thoughtful mom.