25 incredible TV moms we love to watch

Joyce Byers – Stranger Things

Poor, poor Joyce. Already frazzled and at the end of her rope, she just went completely over the edge when her son disappeared into the upside down. She is a single mom, working a low-paying job, and she is about as high-strung as they come.

Unfairly or not, she depends a lot on her oldest son to carry a lot of the weight of the household since their deadbeat father disappeared in his own way. The longer her son, Will, stays gone, the more frantic she becomes. Still, Joyce knows in her mother’s heart that he is within arm’s reach.

Like so many mothers, she knows more about her son and his whereabouts. However, no one believes her. If we learn anything from Joyce and her struggles, it’s to believe women, particularly mothers. Discounted by authorities and law enforcement alike, she works tirelessly to bring her son home.

All her efforts paid off, as she single-handedly orchestrated her son’s rescue and return. No matter what, she never gave up on what she knew, and she wouldn’t stop until her child was safe and sound. It was easy to dismiss her as “crazy” or “unglued” because of her tactics, but ultimately, her knowledge and experience were what brought Will home.

Next time a mother tells you to listen to what she knows, do it. If Joyce can teach us anything, it’s that mother’s always know best. We as mothers know our children and what’s best for them, no matter what.