When Taylor asked me to be a Super-mom of the month, my self deprecating humor crept into my head filling it with memories of the times when things didn’t really resemble super mom.  I thought that maybe I should tell them about the time that my nipples filled with colostrum during my sales presentation while wearing a white shirt, and one of the sales guys had to alert me that my breasts were leaking. Then I thought I could write about the time I demonstrated for the young, inexperienced nanny how to stroll my two girls in a double stroller, and the stroller snapped and folded them in half.  Or maybe moms could relate to the time that I locked my toddler in the car and played peek-a-boo, popping my head up and pressing my nose into the window, while she squealed with delight, until the fire department arrived.  My shortcomings are many, and yet through all of it, my kids seem to have registered my message. 

Fortunately, my inner child dominates my way of life which allows me to look beyond the little blips and helps me shine as super mom.  As I raise three children from ages 14 to 9, I try to live my life with child-like eyes of wonder and an enthusiasm of a beginner.  They see me wanting to change the world whether it’s through my books, teaching yoga, coaching or motivational school talks.  They are always there, hearing my message and watching me in action.   

The times I truly feel like super mom is when I hear stories from others on how my children embrace my values.  Those stories lift me, offering insight and paving the way in my teachings with hundreds of other children.  As a yoga teacher and writer, my goal has always been to try to teach a way to live life so kids can become the person they were meant to be.  Children should live without fear or judgment or pain in their heart, and as adults, we should show them the way.  I love the role of helping children sort out their problems so they can experience joy. 

My teen daughter, Tyler, lives with integrity every day.  She was recently described by her graduating 8^th grade class as inclusive of everyone.  That makes my heart smile.  She lives her life with grace and walks as if she knows the secret to life.  Middle school is not easy yet her maturity helped her rise above the pettiness.  I remember her “bestfriend” dumping her cold turkey to take up with someone new.  I marveled at Tyler’s response to the situation.  She said, “It’s ok, mom. She’s just not the person I thought she was.”  We learn from our children as much as they learn from us so listen intently to their messages.  Since she was four years old, she has donated all her birthday presents to children in need.  Her grandmother lived much of her life in an orphanage so our first batch of presents went to adorable little orphans.  After you do that once, it’s hard not to do that every birthday.  She never once said, “what about me?!” 

My middle daughter, Ashton, is an old soul, always reaching out to help others.  Teachers tell me of stories of her standing up for the girl no one seems to like and asking kids to put themselves in her shoes for a day.  It wasn’t the teachers but Ashton who got the kids to stop laughing at her.  She is fearless and bold and helps me when I teach children with disabilities. Touching others with kindness is her gift.  She will lay her mat down next to the child with ADHD, selective mutism or down’s syndrome – the child people might avoid.  She’s there just to be their friend and to set an example for others to be kind to those in need. She’ll often encourage them or show them what I mean.  I couldn’t teach half my classes without her gentle guidance and leadership.  Ashton is a magnet of positive energy, and her presence is felt whether it’s on the sport’s field or in yoga class or the classroom.  She seems to have had her spiritual awakening. 

I’m reminded of being super mom most recently this week with my son, Grant.  A mother called to tell me that at recess, her son saw Grant stop a 5^th grader from bullying a kindergartner.  Grant walked up to the 5^th grader and asked him why he did this to others and made him stop.  Grant’s in third grade.  The mother told me the story because she said her son wished he was able to do that when he saw bullying.  It opened a great discussion for them.  Then I walked into a restaurant and a mother came up to me with tears in her eyes.  Her son was never an athlete.  Grant is fortunate that athletics come easily for him.  The boys were playing in a basketball game and despite a lot of passing, Grant scored all the points.  On the car ride home, her son said to Grant “thanks for scoring all those points.”  She said Grant replied, “That wasn’t what made the difference.  What was really great was when you snagged the ball on that rebound and held on so tight that we got the ball back.”    It’s his humbleness and respect he shows to children of all abilities on and off the field that makes me realize he understands the meaning of life.  Youth sports should really be about showing good sportsmanship and being a team player not winning.  I am blessed that Grant embraces my message. 

Sometimes we all slip off track but so long as we allow each other to make mistakes, we’ll create a more beautiful world in which to live.  I do the best I can, and sometimes it’s not so great and sometimes it’s outstanding, but the one constant that keeps our family healthy is all the laughter and staying true to our values.  We find the humor in almost everything, and when that happens, your family becomes a bright beacon of positive energy.  

By Mary Kaye Chryssicas