As a parent, I am required to make choices every single day. Some of these are pretty mundane choices, such as what Jacob wears, or what the kids have for snack. Others are more controversial, such as breastfeeding, discipline methods, health procedures (circ, vax), screen time, and numerous other choices. Personally, I try to make the choice that Brian and I feel is best for our family. Usually, it works for us. If not, I reevaluate and possible change my decision. Despite this, people constantly feel that it is their job to criticize our decisions, and vehemently try to get us to change out position to the same as theirs. A friend has this quote on her facebook today, “We are each uniquely designed by God to mother our uniquely designed by God children, therefore we have uniquely designed approaches to raising them.” I loved it and completely agree. Every single parent and every single child is different, so why should we all be doing the same thing? Parenting is a hard job, and I wonder why as mothers we have to rag on each other for doing the best we can. It is in no way helpful. I always wonder “helping or hurting.” (yes, there is a possibility I’ve watched too much Scrubs). Both my kids still have soothers when they sleep (yes, I know, they will probably grow up to become serial killers because of this). I was talking to Brian about taking them away. The dentist said they were fine, since they only have them at night, and I have orthodontic soothers. Brian asked me why? and I responded “because people are judging me”. He just kinda looked at me, because that is one of the worst reasons to make a decision, and he’s right. When I make a decision based on what somebody else who does not know our family as well as we do, then I am not making the right decision for us. And that is what it really comes down to, what is the right decision for US!
And pictures!!
watering the garden
waving bye to Daddy
Riding his trike!
Jen Said:
on June 18, 2011 at 8:23 am
AMEN! I hate all the competitive mothering out there. While I do have strong opinions on some things, I never try to push them on people because as you said – we are all raising different kids who need different things. Great post T!
Jill Said:
on June 18, 2011 at 9:13 pm
Some days, I wish both of my kids took soothers to sleep… lucky! Thanks!