There is a certain rhythm to suburban mom life. One minute, you are laughing at the stereotypes, and the next, you realize you are loading kids into the car for Target, soccer practice, and curbside pickup.
I grew up in a small town and lived in the city for most of my adult life. A few years ago, my husband and I moved our family to the suburbs, and now I catch myself doing some of these things and laughing because, yes, I have become that suburban mom.
This list is all in good fun, so city moms, suburban moms, and every mom in between are welcome here.
You Know You’re a Suburban Mom When…
These signs are playful, a little exaggerated, and probably familiar if you have ever planned your day around school pickup, errands, sports, and Target.
1. Loud Neighborhood Noises Annoy You
One of the perks of living out in the burbs is how quiet it is. So when someone blares their music, revs up their engine, or shoots fireworks in the neighborhood and wakes up your baby, you silently rage from inside your house… or maybe not so silently.
2. You’ve Worn Pajamas Outside With No Shame
In the burbs, you have more space. And because you live further away from people, they can’t see you as well or see what you’re wearing. Wearing pajamas outside on my deck or taking out the trash is my business. And also, who cares?
3. Every Errand Feels Like a Special Outing
Since everything is a 10-minute car ride away or longer, it is a “special outing” for the kids whenever you leave the house. The grocery store, Chick-fil-A, soccer practice. It’s a production. And when you go out, you might as well go to all of the places you need to run your errands.
4. Your Family Keeps Growing
It can be expensive to raise a family in the city. Once you have a child or two, you might be more interested in having a bigger house, more outdoor space for them to play, good public schools, etc. It’s also quiet in the burbs, and there’s not too much to do, so more babies can get made. 😉 And when you’re hollering at them, you get their names mixed up.
5. You Own a Minivan
Nothing seems better than a minivan because you have all of these kids. Those sliding doors seduced you, and you are now rocking out in your new ride. You’re probably listening to 90s music or gangster rap too. And your husband probably owns a truck. Or wants one.
6. Your Four-Year-Old Has a Full Sports Schedule
You have them in gymnastics, soccer, swimming, dance, cheerleading, and more. And you are more than happy to help coach them on the sidelines and give them inspiration. You basically now identify as a sports mom, cheer mom, dance mom, etc.
7. You Have Mom Apparel and Too Many Travel Cups
You own and rock all the “mama” t-shirts, necklaces, sweatshirts, and more. And because you’re hauling your kids to the 15 after-school activities you signed them up for, you own tons of different travel cups or mugs to carry your coffee. (But there might be something other than coffee in there too.)
8. Leggings Are Life
Leggings are pants. I said what I said. And yes, you will wear them to play dates, baby music class, school pick-up, basically all the places. Because in your mind, leggings are acceptable everywhere.
9. Your Hair Is in a Mom Bun Most Days
The “mom bun” is pretty much a suburban mom’s everyday go-to hairstyle. It pairs so well with your leggings.
10. Target Feels Like You Time
Okay, you probably love Target even if you live in the city, but we suburban moms get extra excited for Target and the Starbucks inside. As I mentioned earlier, getting out of the house is a special outing. Going to Target is your “you time.”
You let Target show you what you need. It always makes you feel better. You also frequent Hobby Lobby and Marshall’s if you want to make another stop.
11. You’ve Joined an MLM, Started a Blog, or Volunteered Everywhere
If you’re not repping your oils, makeup, Tupperware, books, skincare line, wellness products, apparel line, hair products at a friend’s hosted party, you probably started a blog to document your life and your family’s life. Or you volunteer full-time at your kids’ school. Mama’s workin’ it!
12. You’ve Tried a Beauty Deal Because It Was a Deal
It was a good deal. And mama wants to look good. 😉
13. Bath & Body Works Is Everywhere
There aren’t enough candles to make you feel more relaxed, but you’re sure gonna try. You also change them throughout the year to match the season’s scents.
14. You Have at Least One Inspirational Sign
As a suburban mom, you need to let your guests know that you live, laugh, and love in your house.
15. Drive-Thrus and Curbside Pickup Are Your Favorite
You are so happy if you don’t have to get the kids out of the car for every stop you need to make.
As much as I joke, I love being a suburban mom. Every kind of mom life has its own rhythm, but this is the stage I’m in right now, and I’m learning to laugh at the funny little things that come with it.
