This is for the moms who go above and beyond for their children, the “magic makers” and “childhood savers.” While moms are always giving boundless love and doing selfless acts for their kids, “extra” moms make motherhood sparkle. You constantly prioritize your child’s well-being and happiness—it is your number one focus. You are out there creating unforgettable moments that shape your family’s lives.
You make birthdays unforgettable, complete with themes, elaborate food, and decorations, and lots of thought and loving time behind each to make every year as special as the last. You make each holiday a wonderland to behold with festive decor and surprises to ooh and ahh over. You prepare, cook, and craft with the utmost love and care. Your children’s eyes light up, and your husband marvels at how you do it all. And you—you are completely overjoyed to bring so much joy to those you love.
Don’t listen to those who say you are doing “too much” or you yourself are “too much.” Keep creating those special childhood memories. Keep creating that magic for your children to enjoy and cherish until they are all grown up with children of their own. You are creating family traditions to be enjoyed by the next generation. How extraordinarily brilliant is that?
While you are busy being “extra,” try not to stress for perfection. Focus on the wonderful memories and traditions you are building instead. You are a “big feeler,” so keep focusing on those feelings rather than functionality. You are creating joy, so allow yourself to enjoy it as well. The reason we do all of this is for our children, and they certainly don’t need picture-perfect.
Not only do you go over the top for your own kids, but also for their teachers and classmates (think holiday class gifts, homemade snacks, etc.). You know how important those relationships are, and you show your appreciation by doing and creating. You also know that being “extra” is only for you and your family. You enjoy doing all the things, and that is the only reason you are doing it. We need others to know that this isn’t about being excessive or showing off, and we are not doing this for anyone else. It’s for our own families, so try not to judge us when we are in our moments. We love what we are doing, and we are having fun for ourselves and creating fun for our kids.
Many may wonder why creating magic is so important to the “extra” moms. Life is already hard and filled with highs and lows, mountains and valleys. It’s a given that each of us will experience hardship in life, as this journey of ours was not meant to be easy. However, we can still be happy about our lives and choose to enjoy them with the little time we each have here. We “extra moms” are that shining example for our kids.
Parents should be the safe constant. Home can be a happy place to return to. Our kids only have one childhood, and it should be one that they don’t have to heal from, but one they will flourish from. And it’s not just their childhood, it’s your motherhood. So don’t dull yourself down. Cherish each precious moment. Take those photos that no one else wants to take. Make every birthday and holiday something your kids will wander and marvel at. Keep creating those magical moments for your kids.
Value your motherhood and all the “extras.” It is sacred work we are doing.
With love from one “extra” mom to another.
by Wendy C 
by Gina Rich 
