Are You a Momshell?

by Sandy Maple (Subscribe to Sandy Maple's posts)
Mar 26th 2009 11:00AM

It seems like every few months, somebody comes up with a new label for us parents. What started with Soccer Moms has evolved into an encyclopedia of terms designed to put us in our appropriate box. In the recent past, we've seen the rise of Hipster parents, who strive to pass on their alternative tastes to their offspring; the Mousewife, who combines her desire to be a stay-at-home-mom with her need to earn a few bucks; and now we have the Momshell.

Unlike some of those terms, the meaning of Momshell is pretty obvious -- a combination of mom and bombshell. But what is also different about that term is that, unlike the others, it is used to describe the way a mother looks -- not what she does. And while it is surely meant to be a compliment, there are those who worry that this focus on appearance is ultimately harmful to women. Being a good mother and raising happy, healthy children used to be a worthy goal in and of itself. Now it seems that if we don't look amazing while we do it, we are somehow failing.

You may be secure enough to not feel any pressure to compete with the Momshells in your life, but the same cannot be said for the thousands of women who are auditioning for a new reality show called Hottest Mom in America. Maybe those moms are in it for the $25,000 college money prize, but I am sure the one free year of Restylane treatment is also a big draw.
I think a woman who takes care of herself is a great thing, whether she's a mother or not. But in my experience, modern mothers are much more competitive than they were back when I was a child. Had the term been in use then, my mother would have been considered a Momshell. She exercised on a regular basis and was always perfectly turned out and groomed. The difference between my mother's attention to her appearance and many moms today is simply a matter of who they are looking good for. My mom did it for her own self-esteem, not to win a contest or be recognized and admired by her peers.

Hot mamas are nothing new. For every mother who leaves the house in sweats and no makeup, there has always been the mom who dresses up as if someone might want to take her picture while she's out. What is new is the term itself. And perhaps the pressure to live up to it.

Is the Momshell label harmful to moms, or does it inspire us to get out of the sweats and put on some makeup?

ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)

Add Your Comments

3-26-2009 @ 1:36PM

Mark said...

Guys already have a label for 'momshells'... MILF.

3-26-2009 @ 3:49PM

mom2jack said...

If you're a mom (or anybody for that matter) and unhappy about the way you look, than do something about it. Eat right, exercise, and dress appropriately. I see too many moms dressing like tramps in an effort to be cool or whatever.

"Momshell" is just another descriptive term like pretty, hot or, like Mark said, MILF. If you're offended because someone calls you pretty than I think there is something wrong with you.

Hot on HuffPost Parents:

Are You a Momshell?

Your<span>Voice</span>

Ask Us Anything About Parenting

Recently Asked

ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)

3-26-2009 @ 1:36PM

3-26-2009 @ 3:49PM

FollowUs

TheTalkies

AskAdviceMama

More Recent Questions:

Dish&Dirt

When Children Die First: A Meditation on the Unthinkable

Opinion: Where Do You Draw the Curtain in the Man Cave?

The Gay Genealogist: Creating a Modern Family Tree

My 14 Year Old is Awful to Her Younger Sister!

SpeakersOfTheHouse

SitesWeLove

Hot on HuffPost Parents:

Are You a Momshell?

Your<span>Voice</span>

Ask Us Anything About Parenting

Recently Asked

TheTalkies:RelatedVideos

ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)

FollowUs

TheTalkies

More Recent Questions:

SpeakersOfTheHouse

SitesWeLove