I was walking to the car, my hands filled with the usual too much.

My 20-month-old in one hand, three winter coats in the other, and the diaper bag on my back--and I started to lose my grip on the winter coats.

“Mommy, do you need my help?” My four-year-old asked.

I was completely taken aback. No one ever asks me that question.

“I’m okay, baby, but thanks so much.” I buckled the baby in her car seat and dropped the coats in the backseat catching my breath.

But of course, I didn't take the help…because, of course. I NEVER DO. Because I'm a mommy.

Which got me thinking…

People don't ask mommy for help because she's mommy, and she's “got it all handled," But she never excepts it anyway.

But most of the time, mommy has way too much in her hands.

How do we solve this problem?

Don’t ask a mom if she needs help and wait for her to decline politely,

out of guilt,

afraid of judgment,

because she’s supposed to have it all handled.

Instead, just do it.

If the mom in the store’s toddler keeps running away while she’s trying to pay, go help her.

If there are dishes in the sink, clean them for her.

If there’s dirt on the floor, sweep it up.

If there’s a mom behind you in the grocery store and her kids start to get antsy, let her cut you.

When it comes to moms, don’t ask---do.

This post originally appeared on the author's Facebook. Her book "Living FULL: Winning My Battle with Eating Disorder" is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2O4mJId