When it comes to parenting, one fundamental truth stands out: it truly takes a village. From a friend swooping in to pick up my kids from school when I’m stuck in traffic to kind-hearted neighbors delivering soup and Gatorade during a family flu outbreak, I’ve experienced the immense value of community support. And let’s not forget those encouraging words from a seasoned mom to a newcomer—sometimes a little affirmation is all a weary mother needs. Motherhood can really throw you for a loop, can’t it? So yes, a bit of help is always appreciated and often necessary.
However, here’s the catch: sometimes the “help” you think you’re offering isn’t really helpful at all. In fact, it can be quite insulting to a mom who is already busting her tail. Yes, I’m talking to you, JESSICA. You remember me and my three kiddos at the pharmacy last week, don’t you? We were stuck at the counter for what felt like an eternity while they sorted out my insurance issue. It was lunchtime, and let’s just say, one of my kids is four years old, which presents its own set of challenges.
As I stood there, I kept glancing back, reminding them to sit down, use their inside voices, and keep their hands to themselves. It was a stressful ten minutes, but we made it. I apologize for holding up the line—I know how frustrating that can be. My kids can get a little rowdy when they’ve been cooped up, but they weren’t running amok. They were just being kids! So you can imagine my shock and anger when I found out you decided to take it upon yourself to “discipline” them while I was occupied.
You were standing at the back of the line, and I was at the counter—how on earth did I miss you? Apparently, you felt it was your duty to shush them and tell my boys to stop touching each other. Did you not think I had a handle on the situation? Did you assume I needed backup? More importantly, did I ever ask for your input? Is it really appropriate to interfere with someone else’s parenting?
Look, I appreciate genuine help. When my kids were infants and I had a toddler or two with me, I welcomed assistance—whether it was a friendly bagger at the grocery store offering to help or a stranger holding the door open while I maneuvered a massive stroller. But let’s set the record straight: You didn’t give birth to my children, so kindly back off, KAREN. Don’t instruct my kids to say please, thank you, or anything else for that matter.
Instead, how about you take a seat and be quiet? You don’t know my children, and it’s not your place to parent them. As long as they aren’t hurting anyone (including themselves), there’s no reason for you to showcase your parenting skills. I’m sure you’re a fantastic mom. Your kids probably do amazing things like rescue puppies and help the elderly. Kudos to you!
If you disagree with my style of parenting, that’s your choice. But honestly, I couldn’t care less. You do your thing, and I’ll do mine. My kids are not perfect, and neither am I, but they are kind-hearted and loving, and that’s what matters most.
If you want to offer genuine help, I might just take you up on it. But don’t you dare attempt to discipline my kids from a distance at CVS, out of earshot of their mother. I brought all three of those little ones into this world, and if anyone is going to tell them to behave, it will be me. That is my privilege, so please move along.