Do you find yourself constantly worrying about every possible detail in your friend's lives? Are you always saying things like "did you guys finish your homework yet?" or "your class starts in 5 minutes" or "yes, I will wake you up when it is dinner time?" These are little details that definitely screams that you are the "squad mom" in your friend group and you know what, embrace it because there has got to be somebody to step up and take that job if you want the friend group to last.
Hopefully you have a group of friends you can call "squad" at this point in your life, and they are your best friends that you probably could not survive life without. If you are like me, a freakishly social butterfly, then you are probably included in multiple friend groups. Yet no matter what group I am in, I am the designated "squad mom" or "team mom" if it is a group of rowdy boys who all play sports. I have the natural tendencies to be protective, overly caring, constantly stressed and worried, and want my "children" to succeed and be the best people they can be... just like an actual mother. If you can relate and admit to having these same tendencies, you are a "squad mom" and let me tell you why.
1. Constantly worried and stressed about the smallest and biggest details in their life.
I do not know why I care so much if my friend ate lunch yet or did she make it to class on time but I just do. Whether it's "did you get accepted for your job position?" to "did you go get your eyebrows waxed yet?" I am literally worried about their overall well beings so much that I will check up on every detail.
2. Always creating/planning/setting up every important event, like brunch dates, duh.
Whether it's planning brunch or a party on the weekend you know squad mom has got it covered. This is quite the process but you always end up doing it because you have to. I usually think of things like who to invite, where to go, price range, area and location, carpooling, and what time to begin our festivities and when to leave and etc. Squad mom has to get this done if you want your crew to all have a good time and come back home in one piece, even if it is "just brunch".
3. Always prepared or sometimes too prepared.
I can't help but know that I should probably print off the homework or lecture notes for both her and I knowing she probably forgot or did not even know we had it due tomorrow. Or I always find myself packing everything for a trip, whether it is an adventure to the mall or taking a 3 hour hike, you know I have snacks ready in my bag at all times. And other necessities like chap stick, lotion, hand sanitizer, Tylenol and etc. but healthy snacks is most important obviously.
4. Noticed I mentioned "healthy snacks" above...
Like any mom, I care about my "kids" well being and their health. I am that odd friend at the dinner table that mentions "use low sodium soy sauce for your sushi please!" or "remember to use 100% whole wheat/whole grain bread for your PB&J ok?" Although I am also young and in college, do not get me wrong I will give into the occasional chocolate chip cookie or banana bread with cream cheese icing but I mean at least balance that out with a plate of fresh fruit or a salad with light dressing on the side!
5. You take care of your party animals.
While I am very much aware of each and every one of my friends drinking capabilities, I let them take "another shot" or "shotgun that beer" anyways because regardless at the end of the night I will be there to make sure they make it into bed with clean pajamas and no puke in their hair. I am also ready to wake everybody up the next morning for our hangover brunch (refer back to point #2, planning for brunch is important) with plenty of coffee and some Aspirin.
6. Squad moms can be "debbie-downers" but they save your ass in the end.
Sometimes super "fun" ideas do not sound too fun in the mind of a squad mom. You always think of the consequences of what can happen if plans go wrong. Trust me, they will hate you for 5 minutes but when they realize there was a cop behind us or their super hot crush was nearby, they will thank and love you again. Oh, I am also here to ruin your lazy Sunday fun day by reminding you to do your homework that is due tomorrow!
7. Am I a friend, a mom, a personal stylist, or a house keeper?
I find myself usually picking up the left over trash on the dining room table, ironing and steaming their khaki pants and polo shirts (for my male friends), or I have to pick out a business casual outfit from my closet for a friend's presentation in class tomorrow because she knows that "mom" definitely owns a blazer.
8. You send those corny "good luck" texts for almost any semi-important occasion.
I am that friend that has to send some sort of uplifting message to my friends when I know they are about to encounter something awful like a calculus test, or something super nerve wracking like a new job interview. My favorite is when I send "good luck texts" to my athlete friends and they end up crushing it on the field! I like to think that sending some good vibes does do something pretty great.
9. Mom's just like to send lots of texts.
In addition to corny "good luck" texts, I am also that person to send random "i miss you" texts during summer break just because I feel like it. And of course, mom never forgets her kids birthdays! Always expect a heartfelt message from me whether it is your birthday, Christmas, New Year's, or even Thanksgiving because that is the perfect time to tell them how much you appreciate them and how much you love being their theoretical mom.
10. You act like a mom.
I am there through all breakups, bad days, or when you just need someone to go get your nails done with. I am there to annoyingly remind you to go to the classes you do not want to go to and to remind you that no matter win or lose you are a superstar on and off that turf field! Oh, I am also there to wipe off tomato sauce off your chin, to fix your hair in public, and to pick off that piece of fuzz off your butt. Do not worry, I GOT YOU.
