The recent social media trend of labeling yourself as a Type A, B, or C mom got me thinking about how I’d describe myself. My first instinct? Type A. Organized. Homemade everything. Activities planned with crafts at the ready. But if I’m being honest, that’s not quite the full picture.
Yes, I show up to the pool party with scratch-baked cookies on a cute tray, but my gas tank is on E. Yes, I volunteer at school, but I sent in the permission slip late. So here’s the truth: I’m a Type C mom. And I’m proud of that.
My kids know I’m present. I’m involved. I show up. And that’s what matters most. Will they remember the craft I brought when I was the Mystery Reader, or the fact that I was there reading a favorite story to them?
When my son was little, I probably leaned more Type A. But now, with two kids, work, extracurriculars, and a social life, I’ve evolved. I’m a little more stretched, more disorganized, and yes, sometimes running about 10 minutes late. But we get there.
And I’ve realized something important: I was overcommitting myself and our family.
At one point, I looked at our calendar—packed with spirit days, events, parties, and sports and thought, this is just too much. So we made a shift. Now, I talk with my kids about what really matters to them, and to me. The things that don’t? We let them go.
Embracing my Type C personality has helped ease the burnout. It’s also teaching my kids something valuable: you don’t have to do everything, and you definitely don’t have to do everything perfectly. Setting these boundaries isn’t just good for me, it’s good for them, too. They know when I’ll show up, and they know it’s okay when we choose not to.
Because the truth is, it takes all kinds of parents. Some lead the PTO. Some organize playdates. Others show up in quieter ways. Not every parent has the time, or the desire, to do it all, and that’s okay.
When I talk to other moms, we all say the same thing: life is busy. Some seasons are harder than others. And no one is doing it perfectly. So here’s what I believe: every mom should embrace who she is at her best. Celebrate your personality. Show up in the ways you want to, not just the ways you feel you should.
