With Mother's Day just around the corner, we thought it would be good to focus on the special "Not-the-Mom" women in the lives of many children, including our very own. We are diving into the world of stepmoms, aunts or other female family member, close friends of your family, your best friend, teachers and so many other women who are role models and who are helping to raise and shape our kids and who sprinkle a little extra magic in their lives.
To celebrate these women we thought it would be fun to share a special Mother's Day story from a Babble Reader who has lovingly been given the name "Nacho". She was endeared with this name because although she is almost a daily staple in the lives of her boyfriend's two kids, she is "Nacho Mama". (For those that maybe didn't say it aloud in your head, "not-your-mama". She has fully embraced her role (and her new title) and they are all better for it. Below she shares her happy mother's day experience from last year.
I’m Nacho Mama!
Submitted by a Babble Reader
Being a childless, single gal, with the majority of my friends having families and kids can be rough some days. While I’m beyond grateful for all my choices, I’ve had moments in my life wondering “what if?” or even feeling “less than” for not having 2.5 kids, a dog and the white picket fence. I am, by self-definition a career woman. Work is where I spend the majority of my waking hours and brain power. It also brings on a new form of anxiety around Mother’s Day. Can anyone else relate?
My world changed a couple years ago when I started dating a fantastic guy with two wonderful children. I gave myself the name “Nacho Mama” so the kids wouldn’t feel pressure to call me mom, or have to think of me in that way. They LOVE it and have shortened it to “Nacho” and they switch between using that and my real first name. They’ve become a big part of my life, and it’s changed my world in some very positive ways.
They have a very loving, supportive mother who shares custody with their dad, so I wasn't expecting ANYTHING at all for Mother’s Day last year. I am grateful for their involved mom and do believe the holiday should be reserved for her.
However, last year on the day before Mother's Day they threw a little surprise "Nacho Mama" day. It was so adorable and made me feel so special. It was 100% the kids' idea. We had nachos and they gave me the sweetest handwritten card and some GREAT gifts. My boyfriend’s daughter found a sales lady in Sephora and described me, and the woman helped her pick out the perfect shade and product for me. Hearing about the thought and time she put behind it was so kind and more special than any gift. It also made me really feel like "part of" their lives for the first time.
It made me think of other non-traditional, childless "mothers" that could use, and deserve, a little surprise "Nacho" day of their own. It could be anyone who is a positive support in your kids lives such as: super aunts, inspiring older cousins, a helpful neighbor or a close friend that serves as a mentor to your kids, but doesn’t have biological children herself.
If nothing else - what a great excuse to pig out on some kick-ass Nachos!
So, here's to celebrating the women who step into children's lives with open arms and open hearts. This could be on Mother's Day, or another special day, anytime year round. You may not be their birth mother, but you sure are making a world of difference for a lot of people. Let's continue to cherish and appreciate these incredible women who play such a vital role in shaping the next generation. After all, it truly does take a village! So, here's to the "Nacho Mamas" who make childhood brighter, dreams bigger, and hearts fuller.
Who is a "Nacho Mama" in your world that you can celebrate this year?
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