To the Moms I Saw at Target

Earlier this week, all the stars aligned and somehow, I ended up at Target all by myself. Since my youngest is still at home with me, this is very rare. My red basket didn’t have a 2 year old in the front and two other young kids holding on to the basket begging for Icees and popcorn. It was just me. Alone. I, of course, stopped at the Starbucks inside of one of my favorite places and started my solo trip.

I took my time browsing the Dollar Spot and checking out the latest clearance racks of clothes. As I pushed my red basket along, I saw many moms with their kiddos. With each mom I saw, I related to her in some way or another. These moms were either a version of my past self or my current self. But let’s be real, we are ALL these moms.

To the moms I saw at Target:

To the mom pushing the HUGE Target basket with 2 older kiddos restrained in the seats and a baby / toddler in the basket, you are doing a great job. As you turn down on every aisle, a fellow customer tells you how you “have your hands full.” While that may be true, you are doing a great job. Yes, YOU.

To the mom who is trying to not draw any more attention to herself as her young child is throwing the most epic tantrum in the toy aisle, I see you. It’s past your kiddo’s nap time probably and your child is now screaming and crying. As I pass you by, I’m not judging you. Instead, I’m nodding my head as I’ve been there … more than once. This too shall pass, I promise.

To the mom in the baby aisle who has her newborn attached to her in a baby carrier, cherish those infant days. While my youngest is only two, those days already seem far away. Take your time reading all the ingredients on baby washes and lotions. The days are long but the years are so short.

To the mom who has empty wrappers of fruit snacks, goldfish and applesauce pouches, we’ve all been there. Just recently my youngest son ripped open the box of applesauce and decided it was the best time to have a snack in the fruit aisle. If this hasn’t happened to you yet, I promise one day it will.  

With each mom I passed, I wanted to stop and tell them how awesome they were doing. While I didn’t know any of these moms personally, I felt like I knew them. I had things in common with each of these moms.

If I could have spoken to each of these moms, I would have told them that I’ve been there. I would tell them that I can relate to them. However, I didn’t. Instead, as I passed each one, I gave her a smile and a nod. Somewhat of a “Mom Code” if you will.

My smile and nod was a small token of encouragement and maybe next time, I’ll speak up. I’ll tell them what a great job they are doing because as moms, we don’t hear this nearly enough.

Motherhood is a tough job and we are all in this together, so keep on pushing your red Target basket with your adorable kiddos and I’ll see you on my next Target run!