Being the mom of the friend group has its good times and its bad times. You are usually the one that keeps the group on top of their school work, keeping them from eating excessive junk food and the one to get them home safely after a night out. There are a couple of things I’d like to point out that perhaps you don’t realize but that are important to me as your stand-in mom.

1. Your victories are my victories too.

Remember when I made you come with me to the library/study lounge and forced you to study for that exam you had the following morning? And do you also remember when you received a higher grade than usual, because I made you study? Whenever you do well on an exam or the girl/boy you’ve been having lunch with finally agrees to go out with you or when you get the job/internship you applied for, I am cheering for you because you finally got what you wanted.

2. No, I don’t actually mind taking care of you when you’re sick or need a designated driver for the weekend.

Even though I may not show excessive concern, I will always offer to take you to the doctor or offer a home remedy for you to feel better. Plus, I am the mom of the group so if you need tissues or an extra blanket, just let me know. Also, I would much rather sit out for the weekend and be your designated driver because then I know where you are and when to take you home rather than have you drunkenly call an Uber in the middle of the night. (I will also hold your hair if you feel the need to let out the night’s contents, you're welcome.)

3. Yes, I am always prepared..

Hungry? I think I have some goldfish or a granola bar somewhere. Need help with an assignment? Unless it’s something to do with writing, I can’t promise you an “A,” but I’ll try my best. Need scissors, markers, note cards, stapler, ruler, etc.? I have it in my room and yes, you can borrow it. Need help filling out applications or boosting your resume? I’ve got a few tips that could help you out

4. I also don’t mind being your shoulder to cry on, whatever the case may be.

As the mom of the friend group, it’s my job to know what’s going on and find out what’s bothering you because no one likes being in a bad mood. Do you need to cry and eat ice cream followed by listening to empowering music to get over that good for nothing boy that broke your heart? I’ve got Bluebell and the perfect playlist for that. Need to rant about a difficult professor or about something annoying your roommate does, against you telling them it bothers you time and time again? Rant to me, you’ll feel better once you get it out in the open. I’m here for you guys, no matter the circumstance.

5. All the jokes you guys make about me being uptight or not wanting to have any fun when I tell you to do your work are actually compliments.

You may roll your eyes when I tell you that instead of going out tonight, you should probably stay home and catch up on all of your schoolwork. But believe me, when I tell you that and you end up following my guidance, you’ll thank me later. All the “yes, mom” and “she’s being our mom again” that you all occasional say are actually a boost for me because I know that I am at least trying to keep you on track as someone who cares about your wellbeing.

6. You all literally drive me insane and are the root of my short temper, but I love you all nonetheless.

I’m not going to lie but yes, there are times in which I wish I had never met you all so I wouldn’t have to deal with you guys almost making me go officially insane. But the good times always override the bad and I will forever be thankful to have you guys in my life no matter how angry or crazy you guys make me.

Thanks for letting me be your stand-in mom and for putting up with me as well because lord knows, I can most definitely be a handful too. Please know that I’ll always look out for you guys and that I’ll always have your best intentions at heart. And never forget that no matter what you do or say, I’ll always support you and know that you all can always count on me for anything.