Moms Deserve More Credit: Celebrating the CEO of Our Lives
When you think about your mom, what comes to mind? For some of us, she’s the built-in best friend—the person we can text about literally anything, who’ll hype us up and offer the best advice. For others, the relationship feels… complicated. Maybe you butt heads, push each other’s buttons, or struggle to communicate. And while those challenges can make things tough, there’s one undeniable truth: moms deserve a lot more credit than they get.
Growing up, it’s easy to overlook everything your mom does for you. She’s the CEO of the household—making sure everyone’s where they need to be, with everything they need, often while juggling a career, her own dreams, and an endless list of family responsibilities. She’s the default caretaker, the emotional anchor, and the one person you can count on to make sure there’s an extra snack packed when you’re running late for practice. Moms are the real MVPs, even if we don’t always notice it in the moment.
But let’s be real: that level of involvement can sometimes lead to tension. If you and your mom are super alike, it’s almost like staring into a mirror. While this can lead to moments of frustration and tension, it can also create a deeper understanding and connection—a unique bond that comes from knowing each other so well. She knows how to push your buttons… and you know how to push hers right back. The frustration can feel overwhelming when you’re a teenager trying to carve out your own identity while she’s just trying to keep you safe and on track. It’s a dynamic that can make your relationship feel more like a battlefield than a bonding moment. Yet, even in those moments of friction, there’s often a foundation of love and care—even if it’s buried under an argument about curfews or messy bedrooms.
For others, the relationship with their mom feels easy and supportive from the jump. She’s not just your mom; she’s your confidant, your cheerleader, your built-in best friend. If this is your story, count yourself lucky. That kind of closeness isn’t always guaranteed, and it’s worth cherishing every second of it.
As you grow older, though, something shifts. You start to see your mom in a new light. Maybe it’s because you’re stepping into adulthood and realizing how much it takes to keep a household running. Or maybe it’s because you’ve faced challenges of your own and suddenly understand the sacrifices she made to give you opportunities. The moments that once felt overbearing—the constant reminders, the rules, the unsolicited advice—begin to feel like love in action. It’s like uncovering the magic behind the scenes of your childhood.
And if you become a mom yourself one day, something amazing happens. You’ll hear her voice in your own parenting. The same things you once rolled your eyes at suddenly make so much sense. You’ll catch yourself saying, “Grab a jacket,” or “Text me when you get there,” and laugh because, wow, you’ve become her. But more than that, you’ll feel a deeper appreciation for everything she did. The late nights, the early mornings, the emotional labor—it all comes into focus. You realize she wasn’t just managing a household; she was shaping your world.
So here’s a shoutout to the moms. To the ones who make it look easy (even though it’s not). To the ones who’ve had tough conversations and made unpopular decisions because they care. To the ones who’ve shown up in ways big and small, even when it felt thankless. Whether your mom is your best friend, your occasional sparring partner, or somewhere in between, take a moment to reflect on what she’s given you. And if you can, tell her thanks. She’s earned it.
Because at the end of the day, moms aren’t just caretakers. For Gen Z, showing appreciation can be as simple as sending her a heartfelt text, sharing a funny TikTok that reminds you of her, or even just saying thank you for the little things. She’s been there for you in ways big and small, and letting her know you see that can mean the world. They’re leaders, role models, and the original CEOs of our lives. And they deserve all the credit in the world.
