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Moms, Embrace the Compliment
by Jessica Taylor
October 31, 2023
I’ve been making a conscious effort to build my confidence as a parent—and as an individual. This journey involves standing firm against unsolicited opinions about my parenting decisions, such as how much screen time my kids have or if they choose to wear their superhero costumes to the grocery store. I find pride in not letting negative comments affect me. However, I wasn’t prepared for how I might react to a genuine compliment.
Recently, a newer mom friend of mine remarked that I’m “an easygoing parent,” and I completely overreacted—not in a positive way. My immediate reaction was to interpret her words as a subtle jab, implying that I was lazy or inadequate as a parent compared to her. Thankfully, my husband calmly reassured me that her comment was meant sincerely, without any hidden meaning.
So, why did I react so strongly to such a straightforward compliment? I realize that many of us struggle to accept praise. Perhaps it’s societal conditioning, upbringing, or media influence that leads us to doubt the sincerity of compliments. Often, we downplay our achievements or dismiss kind words. For instance, when someone says our children are well-behaved, we might retort, “Oh, they were just good today; you should’ve seen them last week.”
This tendency to misinterpret compliments can hinder our self-esteem. When someone admires our appearance or parenting abilities, it’s crucial to recognize that they mean exactly what they say. Instead of overthinking the statement or allowing negative self-talk to seep in, we should graciously accept it.
For example, if your mother says your children were delightful during their visit, believe her. If a stranger commends your child’s pirate costume at the park, simply enjoy the moment. And if an elderly gentleman observes your efforts to keep your kids from creating chaos at the store and tells you you’re doing great, let those words uplift you.
Let’s collectively decide to accept compliments at face value. When someone acknowledges our strengths—whether it’s our parenting, our appearance, or our homes—let’s take it to heart. We are remarkable individuals, brimming with beauty, strength, grace, and courage. If someone recognizes that in us, let’s absorb those affirmations and carry ourselves with pride.
Starting today, I’m committing to accepting compliments as they are intended, silencing the negative voice in my head, and simply responding with “thank you.” And, of course, I’ll celebrate this newfound confidence with an extra glass of wine because I’m obviously doing well in my parenting journey.
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Summary:
This article encourages mothers to embrace compliments without skepticism, highlighting the importance of self-acceptance in parenting. It emphasizes the need to believe in the positive affirmations we receive from others and to cultivate a sense of pride in our parenting choices.
Keyphrase: Accepting Compliments in Parenting
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