super mom

So as some of you know, I was nominated for a competition and I’ve been incessantly asking for support via votes to keep me in the running for a chance to win the title of “Super Mom.” I find myself asking, what does this title mean to me and how am I to be chosen among a group of, what I presume, are exceptional mamas that are most likely doing a lot of the same things that I find myself doing on the day to day. How do you carry this title and not be seen as a mother who thinks she has all the answers because, God knows, I don’t.

From the outside looking in, I’m constantly being told that people just don’t understand how I do what I do. I seem to think my life is quite similar to many working mamas… I wake up everyday around the same time which is probably the most predictable part of my day. I indulge in my morning coffee before going all mom mode; prepping lunches and snacks, making breakfast, and setting out my children’s clothing. All the while, trying to move through my morning routine without too many militant tactics and hoping to make it to school on time. If I’m not teaching a Pre-K enrichment class at a surrounding school, you’ll find me at my business, Lola and tots, putting out fires or tending to some of the kiddos coming with our co-working members. My days consist of meeting on demand tasks, employing constant flexibility and giving myself grace as I side-eye my growing to-do list.

Managing after school programs this year has added to the workload but has also afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself in the day-to-day dynamics of my children’s school. I always get an inside scoop! Once work and school are done, I’m usually rushing home and, most days, picking up a quick meal. By the time the nighttime routine takes over, and I’m left to shower and tend to my own needs, the energy left might just be enough to get my thoughts together about what needs to get done the next day. This is my everyday cycle. You sprinkle it with my kiddos’ wellness, enrichment and social commitments, work-related opportunities that pop up and the occasional date night or adult hangs and I realize I truly could use a superpower. So why do I think I should be the next Super Mom?

If it’s one thing we can agree on is that mamahood allows you to employ a resilience and strength you never imagined you would need. I’m a divorced, single mama with two girls and foster mama to my niece. I’m truly aware of how serious it is to raise future leaders… confident females with growth mindsets. I see a Super Mom in my immigrant mother and aunt, who despite any challenges always took a chance to go after their goals. I see a Super Mom in the single mothers of my childhood, making it work despite any hardship and without a co-parent by their side. I see Super Moms in my mom tribe that are looking to heal and parent with intention while doing away with generational traumas. I see Super Moms in those who I know have lived through miscarriages but embrace the vulnerability of living through another pregnancy journey. I see a Super Mom in the single mothers I know, sharing similar struggles, disclosing their own war stories filled with pain and resilience. I see myself in all of them.

I co-parent alongside my sister, who without my knowing, nominated me for this title and I can’t help but to take a moment to think about the wins I’ve had in my life during this mamahood journey. I’ve been able to raise a business from the ground up, evolving with the times and pivoting it to bring forth an innovative idea that would help parents juggle work and life. I have nurtured a community that has grown with my children and has become a village for many. I am the glue that sustains my tribe, one made up of a single mama, her sister/co-parent/business partner, and three little girls who everyday wake up and because of their Super Mom, they know they can always shoot for the stars!

Enjoy some pictures from one of our favorite places… the Brooklyn Museum. We love us some art and learning! Please support and cast a daily vote… https://thesupermom.org/2024/natalie-rios-2