…not brushing my daughter’s teeth twice a day, everyday. Isn’t it enough that I have to remember to do my own??
…letting my 10-month-old chew on my shoelaces; hey, he’s quiet and happy, why disrupt that? If he occasionally licks the sole, I might gag a little, but he’ll survive.
…using the phrase, “because I said so.”
…having a toddler that throws a fit in public. I’ve been that pre-child adult who judged other parents when I saw their kids throwing a fit in the store. Just wait until you have one… just wait. Now that I am a mom, I try not to judge other moms when I see their kids losing it in the middle of Target – instead, I feel for them. I may disagree with their discipline techniques, but only they know what kind of a day it has been, how many tantrums they have already dealt with, and how many hours of sleep they had the night before. Those factors usually frame my discipline techniques as well.
…letting my children watch more than the recommended hours of television. It’s not everyday, and it’s not all day. But sometimes mama needs a break or is up against a deadline (or can’t stand looking at the overflowing sink and laundry), and the TV is so good at distracting my little balls of energy. Does it help if it’s PBS? Ok, it might be something stupid like “Pingu.”
…giving my toddler hot dogs, mac n’ cheese, and peanut butter and jelly A LOT. Mealtimes are a huge battle if I give her anything else, and sometimes I just don’t have the energy to fight with her.
…losing my temper when they write on the wall, tear up the entire roll of toilet paper, or shake baby powder all over their room. Sometimes, my first reaction is not to laugh and post a picture on Instagram.
…Sometimes saying “no thank you” when you ask if they can have a cookie, and withholding sugar often. I know my kids and what they do and don’t need. I’m not trying to be crazy granola lady or say “Look how much better I am than you,” I’m just exercising my right to feed my children what I think is best for them.
…making my own baby food and buying organic produce. See above.
…not skipping naptime. If my kid doesn’t nap, I am the one who has to deal with her meltdowns the rest of the day. It’s a nuisance, but it’s necessary.
…working. I love my kids, and I love my work. I do my best to balance between the two. Every family needs to choose what’s best for them.
…not always enjoying playtime with my 3-year-old. I LOVE her, but if I have to build another Mega Blok tower or run in circles in the backyard one more time… I’ll do it, but I can’t wait for her to tire out so we can read a book. I gingerly try to encourage crafting or puzzles instead; that I can handle.
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The truth is, I’m embarrassed to share some of these things. Why? Quite frankly, it’s because I fear judgement from others.
Why should we have to fear that?
Isn’t it time for the “mommy wars” and the mom-to-mom judgment to stop? We should be lifting one another up, not knocking one another down.
Recently when I attended Blissdom, I got to meet and chat with some of the ladies from Strong Moms Empower, an online movement sponsored by Similac. I was thrilled that moms were taking a stand and urging others to do the same. You can take the pledge to be more supportive and less judgmental at StrongMomsEmpower.com. I took the pledge, will you join me?