Not all moms are nice.
And I’m not here to argue that moms have to be nice either.
I’m pretty sure I’m not always in the “nice mom” category, though I’d like to be. I’m just not always that agreeable. It happens.
But I’ve met some moms this year whose kindness went a long way. And I really freaking appreciate it.
New Neighborhood, New School, New Moms
We moved to a new neighborhood last spring. The move meant a new elementary school for our son, where he started first grade this fall.
He didn’t know anyone at his new school.
It’s scary for kids to go to a new school and meet new people. And it’s scary for parents, too.
Our move came up casually in a conversation at a soccer practice this summer with a nice mom.
And she offered a play date with her kid, so my son would have a familiar face when he started school.
I know, right? Such a nice thing to do.
This prompted an invitation to join up with kids at his new school over the summer in some activities.
And when the first day of school came, my son had friends. He knew some kids’ names. And he said he wasn’t afraid.
All because of that nice mom.
A Little Bit of Nice Goes a Long Way
In case you’re reading this and want to be a nice mom, please know it’s the small things that help others feel welcome.
It’s simply saying hello, good morning, goodbye (or any other greeting) at the appropriate time.
It’s letting me stand by them and talking to me at school and sports events.
The birthday party invitations for my son.
It’s a helpful tip on the umpteenth thing coming up at their school.
And it’s including our kid in an activity.
Being a nice mom, like so many I’ve met, hasn’t required grand gestures of long-term friendship or commitment. It has simply been them welcoming and including our family.
Overall, authentic Upper Midwest kindness is all it takes for us to feel welcome.
So, here’s my way of saying thanks by giving a well-deserved shout out to the nice moms. I know you’re out there, and I appreciate you.
