Motherhood is a constant test; here’s how to keep score

Conception is only the beginning. Let’s see how deeply motherhood has scarred your soul. Give yourself credit for every description that applies to you …

Bodily Fluids

• You’ve done a “sniff check” to see if your baby needed a diaper change: 10 points.

• You’ve survived a poopcapocalypse in a public space: 20 points.

• Your child vomited in the car: 30 points.

• Your child vomited on you: 50 points.

• Your child pooped in the bathtub with a sibling present: 100 points.

Home Contamination

• Your dishware collection includes “Make a Plate” artwork: 10 points.

• Your bathtub looks like Toys ‘R’ Us flooded: 20 points.

• Stuffed animals breed while you go grocery shopping: 30 points.

• You’ve stepped on Legos in bare feet: 50 points.

• Sharpies are forever: 100 points.

Style, or Lack Thereof

• Right now, at this very moment, your hair is in a ponytail: 10 points.

• You own a pair of clogs: 20 points.

• There are toys, crayons and fruit leather in your washable purse: 30 points.

• In an attempt to not wear mom-jeans you’ve accidentally flashed somebody your butt: 50 points.

• Your child is 10 times more stylish than you: 100 points.

Orifices

• You’ve baby-proofed the electrical sockets in your house: 10 points.

• You’ve been to the ER to extract something from your child’s nose: 20 points.

• Your child thinks cigarettes are disgusting: 30 points.

• Thanks to your clear explanation, your child understands sex-ed: 50 points.

• You’ve considered having an accessible box of prophylactics in your house that’s filled with teenagers: 100 points.

Scary Stuff

• You’ve received a robocall that your child’s school was on lockdown: 10 points.

• You’ve lost count of how many robocalls you’ve received: 20 points.

• Your heart has almost stopped watching your child go up a ski lift: 30 points.

• You’ve taught your child how to drive: 50 points.

• You thank God for Seattle Children’s Hospital in your prayers: 100 points.

Time Marches Across Your Forehead

• Your child’s high school diploma is stored someplace in your garage: 10 points.

• You need your child’s help to fix your computer: 20 points.

• Forget vacations, you’re still paying for your child’s wedding: 30 points.

• You miss bedtime snuggles: 50 points.

• If you close your eyes and really concentrate, you still remember your baby’s smell: 100 points.

Final Tally

0-420: Mothering Novice. Your nursing bra is open and you may or may not have noticed. You deserve a 4-hour nap and the chance to visit the restroom all by yourself.

421-840: Mothering Sustainer. You’ve said to yourself on more than one occasion “At least chicken nuggets have protein.” Today you deserve breakfast in bed while your family cleans the house.

840-1260: Mothering Veteran. The kid’s CD in your minivan belongs to your grandchildren. Open your collection of cards with glee. You inspire us all.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Gus Mansour works through timing with Jeff Olson and Steven Preszler, far right, during a rehearsal for the upcoming annual Elvis Challenge Wednesday afternoon in Everett, Washington on April 13, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Hunka hunka: Elvis Challenge returns to Historic Everett Theatre May 4

The “King of Rock and Roll” died in 1977, but his music and sideburns live on with Elvis tribute artists.

2024 Lexus GX 550 (Photo provided by Lexus)
2024 Lexus GX 550 review

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 has been redesigned from the ground up,… Continue reading

(Photo provided by Lexus)
2024 Lexus TX brings three-row seating back to the SUV lineup

The new luxury SUV is available in three versions, including two with hybrid powertrains.

"Unsellable Houses" hosts Lyndsay Lamb (far right) and Leslie Davis (second from right) show homes in Snohomish County to Randy and Gina (at left) on an episode of "House Hunters: All Stars" that airs Thursday. (Photo provided by HGTV photo)
Snohomish twin stars of HGTV’s ‘Unsellable Houses’ are on ‘House Hunters’

Lyndsay Lamb and Leslie Davis show homes in Mountlake Terrace, Everett and Lynnwood in Thursday’s episode.

Music, theater and more: What’s happening in Snohomish County

Jazz vocalist Greta Matassa comes to Snohomish while “Death by Design” ends its run at the Phoenix Theatre in Edmonds.

Mukilteo Police Chief Andy Illyn and the graphic he created. He is currently attending the 10-week FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. (Photo provided by Andy Illyn)
Help wanted: Unicorns for ‘pure magic’ career with Mukilteo police

“There’s a whole population who would be amazing police officers” but never considered it, the police chief said.

To most, tiles are utilitarian. To some, they’re a sought-after art form.

Collectors particularly prize tiles made by early 20th century art potteries. This Wheatley piece sold for $216 at auction.

Spring plant sales in Snohomish County

Find perennials, vegetable starts, shrubs and more at these sales, which raise money for horticulture scholarships.

beautiful colors of rhododendron flowers
With its big, bright blooms, Washington’s state flower is wowing once again

Whether dwarf or absolutely ginormous, rhodies put on a grand show each spring. Plus, they love the Pacific Northwest.

Whidbey duo uses fencing to teach self-discipline, sportsmanship to youth

Bob Tearse and Joseph Kleinman are sharing their sword-fighting expertise with young people on south Whidbey Island.

Glimpse the ancient past in northeast England

Hadrian’s Wall stretches 73 miles across the isle. It’s still one of England’s most thought-provoking sights.

I accidentally paid twice for my hotel. Can I get a refund?

Why did Valeska Wehr pay twice for her stay at a Marriott property in Boston? And why won’t Booking.com help her?

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.