Did you know that mothers work an average of 98 hours per week and the average mother gets just 17 minutes of “me time” a day? So what does it mean to be a ‘Strong Mom?’

As a mom you are the glue which holds the family together. You make sure everyone has what they need and most of what they want. The house is clean and the bills are paid. Everybody and everything is taken care of. These aren’t just the stay-at-home-moms. Working mothers have to make sure they are 100% focused for their full-time jobs as well. How are we as mothers not half insane? I ask myself this on a daily basis because Lawd knows this momma is tired. Like, I wake up tired tired. I say this all of time….My job as a mother is THE hardest job I’ve ever had. It’s rewarding in its own way, but it is hard as hell!

So, what does it mean to be a ‘Strong Mom?’ Is it that Pinterest Mom who does it all? A full-time working mom who makes sure her family is fed and taken care of while being successful in her career? Is it the mom who deals with depression every day but still has the courage to wake up, get out of bed, and try to be present for her children? Or maybe it’s that single mom who does whatever she can to make sure her children are happy and healthy while putting her own health and needs on the back burner?

I say all moms are ‘Strong Moms.’ You don’t have to be that mom who works herself to death trying to be perfect for everyone to be considered “strong.” Just being a mother and knowing that you have help when you need it; better yet, asking for help when you need it, to me, makes you a ‘Strong Mom.” Some people may perceive that you are weak if you ask for help, but I say IGNORE THEM! It takes a village to raise a child. Your village may consist of family, friends, or both. Regardless of your situation, you should never feel weak because you ask for help. That’s what makes you strong!

I tell all of my friends and family to call me if you need help. Don’t carry your burdens alone because you aren’t alone and one day I may need your help also. So do me a favor, next time you hang out with your mom friends or see your mom, aunt, sister, etc. Give them a hug and let them know that they are strong. Let them know that they are amazing and that you are just a phone call away. It means more than you know. Solidarity