Mama Merit Badges

When I was growing up and in Girl Scouts, earning merit badges was one of the highlights. I proudly displayed my sash, full of badges to tell the world that I cooked a meal, made a shirt, vsited a nursing home.

Now that you're a mom, you can collect merit badges created just for you. Mama Merit Badges are designed to celebrate the trials and tribulations of motherhood, whether it's nursing your baby (for a week or several years), surviving a tantrum or teaching your child to read. Let's face it - motherhood is hard work. Sure, it's full of sentimental, Kodak-moments you want to etch into memory forever. It's also full of moments where you begin to question your sanity. You certainly deserve some recognition for all your hard work and for getting up each day to do it all over again.

Mama Merit Badges are created to help give you the recognition you deserve. Designed by a mom and inspired by the many adventures of raising her own three kids, Mama Merit Badges are "visual recognition for the unpaid and often ignored labor that is parenting." Made to display on your diaper bag, tote bag, jeans, jacket, baby carrier or even a t-shirt, these iron on patches celebrate the tasks of motherhood. Mama Merit Badges make great rewards for yourself, but are even better when your dear husband, loving mother or trusted friend bestow one on you, along with a little empathy for your daily challenges. Which, truth be told, you wouldn't trade for the world. Except maybe that one massive diaper blowout - you could have done without that.