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How to Be a "Baddie" - Working Single Mom Edition

Kids keep us young.  At least in spirit.  Tween girls keep you in the loop on all that is Gen Z relatable in the their world.  As a mother to an upcoming tween girl, I hear it all.  Everyday is a surprise and a re-education.  I’ve been hearing the term “baddie” and had to do my research.  A girl who slays whether in sweatpants or a dress, stands up for herself, fights for what she believes in and likes to have fun.  With bad meaning good and “itch” with a “b”.  You get the idea.

I felt like having some fun and sharing a new take on the “Baddie – Working Single Mom Edition” to inspire those like me living partially through our kiddos but still finding success and fun in our professional work and life.

• Embrace your uniqueness and express it. Be authentic. Your kids will “low-key” watch and take notes.

• Exercise to make your skin glow, your curves firm, and your brain clear. Get a thick padded mat to stretch with your kids at night. Consider a kids yoga video while you lift some weights and hold your pike position.

• Build a strong social circle. Make sure it aligns with your lifestyle as a parent. Keep solid boundaries and be selective with who you let into your world or who you let care for your babies.

• Be the smartest in the room – Stay informed about the world around you. A morning podcast or news while cooking breakfast will keep you in the loop and allow you to converse intelligently at work even if you’re really just thinking about what to make or pick up for dinner and how to get your kid to dance class on time in the evening.

• Know how to accentuate what god gave you. Get yourself a contour or highlight stick, maybe a luxurious bra, the perfect “comfortable-ish” heels to show off your legs. Long-wear concealer and a trendy pop of color lipstick or eyeliner will keep you fresh.

• Be assertive. Say no when necessary and stand up for what you believe in. Remember, you are not just standing up for yourself but for your tribe.

• Own your sexuality, be confident with your body. Express your sensuality in a way that makes you feel empowered. Remember there is always a time and a place.

• Work hard / Play hard. Maintain a strong work ethic and always keep sight of your goals. Reward yourself when your done. Incorporate your family in some of that play and save a little for just yourself. Girls night anyone? Remember work/life balance is out and work/life integration is in. For example, perhaps you designate an hour a day while on vacation to stay on top of emails and flex that time later to keep your sanity.

• Embrace positivity and hope above all. When toxic thoughts and hidden scripts creep in – address them! Get that workout in, schedule a virtual therapy session, write in a journal to work through the mess in your head. The key is to recognize the need and address it.

• Stay true to your values. Make sure your actions align with your core values and what you teach your kids.

• Practice self-expression and also family art. Explore different mediums. People communicate in different ways. You will be surprised with what manifests.

• Radiate kindness. Teach your kids to do the same.

• Take ownership of the choices you make and rely on yourself for your happiness and success as much as you can. Nothing beats getting to know your own joy and that you can go deep into it. It will be contagious.

• Strive for unapologetic confidence – whatever that means to you.