It seems there’s a constant debate over the “right” way to parent—be it the helicopter approach versus free-range, working moms versus stay-at-home moms, or mainstream parenting versus natural methods. The options are endless and, honestly, it’s exhausting. Every day, parents make numerous decisions that are unique to their own families. No single method is superior because every parent and child has distinct needs.
Take Lisa Thompson, a mother of three and blogger at Modern Mom Life. She recently shared a post on her Facebook that struck a chord with countless others who are fed up with the relentless mom-shaming culture. “My house is a disaster zone—always. I know moms with kids whose homes are immaculate. Does that make them better mothers? Absolutely not. Am I a better mom than them? Nope,” Thompson begins her candid post. “I have a friend who delivered her baby in a pool at home; I chose to give birth in a hospital bed after enjoying the sweet relief of an epidural. Both of us are great moms. I sometimes enjoy a beer or a glass of wine—even in front of my kids! That doesn’t make me a bad parent. My neighbor, who doesn’t drink, is also a fantastic mom.”
Thompson continues by admitting she yells at her kids, swears occasionally, and sometimes serves them popsicles for breakfast—the cheap ones that come in bulk for two bucks. But guess what? That doesn’t make her a bad mom either.
Judging others without knowing their circumstances can be a humbling experience. I once overheard a nosy neighbor ask a friend, “When are you and your partner going to have kids?” My friend smiled and replied, “I just went through my third miscarriage.” The same principle applies to parenting styles. That so-called ‘helicopter’ mom might have a child with special needs, and that working mom could be the main breadwinner or work to maintain her mental health. Parenting choices are driven by countless factors that we often don’t understand. It’s best to stick to your own lane and focus on your kids.
Thompson shares with Parenting Life that she wrote this post out of frustration with the judgment. “We’re all doing our best. I’ve faced backlash online for drinking, for being a ‘helicopter mom,’ for having a messy house, etc. Friends who formula-feed are also targeted. It’s absurd. We all want validation, so why not offer each other support instead of harsh judgment?”
“Are married moms superior to single moms? NO. Can you be a great mom while planning every minute of summer? Absolutely. What if you prefer a laid-back, unscheduled summer? That’s fine too,” Thompson adds. “Do good moms let their kids watch TV? Yes! And if you choose to say no, that’s your choice. You’re the mom—and a good one at that.”
Thompson encourages us to refrain from jumping to conclusions and instead, support one another. “Motherhood is tough,” she emphasizes. “You’re doing a great job. Raising kids can be overwhelming, but you’ve got this! For more insights, check out this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.”
In summary, the pressures of parenting often come from outside influences, and it’s important to remember that every family is unique. Instead of shaming one another, let’s lift each other up. Whether you’re looking for fertility tips, such as those found in boost fertility supplements, or exploring options with an at-home insemination kit, resources are available to help you navigate your journey. Additionally, for insightful discussions about IVF and fertility preservation, check out this podcast.
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