Forget about using discarded gum wrappers, the clean edge of a ketchup stained McDonald’s napkin or the back of a store receipt to exchange phone numbers with the new mom you just met at the park. If you are serious about getting your kids together for a future playdate, then aim to impress with official “Mommy cards.”
At the risk of offending the litany of feminist groups that vehemently oppose women labelling themselves as mere caregivers, I must admit my first reaction to seeing the modern-day “Mom cards” was: “Oh Cuuuuuute!”
What can I say? I have a weakness for adorably crafted anything that features polka dot, damask, paisley, and plaid backgrounds. Admittedly, I could live without the cutesy one-liners that emblazon many Mommy cards, such as: “Get your mommy to call my mommy” or “Playdates rule! Your house or mine?” And frankly, I’m not that into the tongue-in-cheek job titles that some moms feature on their cards, including “Rugrat Wrangler,” “Family CEO,” “Playdate Coordinator” and “Official Diaper Changer.” Still, the basic concept of the Mommy cards is somewhat appealing.
The standard-size business cards feature the mother’s name, phone number and/or an email address, and can be used in lieu of wrinkled tissue, dried up Wet Ones or any other scrap found while rummaging through your diaper bag in a desperate attempt to jot down the name and number of your kid’s newest BFF… and his mom.
If you have a cellphone, smartphone or other electronic device in which you can enter a new mom’s digits, then you might opt out of ordering Mommy cards. Ditto if you already have existing business cards and you don’t mind crossing out everything but your name.
Mom cards range in price from 35 cents to more than a dollar each. Which brings me to the number one reason why I’ll be sticking to paper scraps or the skin on the palm of my hand to jot down a new mom’s name and number.
The other reason I’m reluctant to order personalized cards touting my Mommy status is the reaction I would get from other moms. The word “presumptuous” comes to mind when whipping out a fancy business card at the local sandbox.
Yet, the companies that manufacturer Mommy cards insist that their product is essential for busy parents. Some cards even come with space for jotting down your child’s allergies (designed for moms to give out at restaurants and birthday parties). Then there’s the official “Soccer Mom” cards that come with mini calendars printed on the back to make it easier to record game dates and times.
What do you make of “Mommy cards?” Do you have some? Would you consider getting some?
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