Can we please stop making comments about the size of other people’s families? If you’re a parent, you’ve likely encountered the phrase, “Looks like you’ve got your hands full!” It’s often intended to be supportive, but it often comes across as trivializing the hard work that goes into parenting. In fact, it can even be quite insensitive.
Fortunately, Emily Johnson, a busy mom from Ohio with three kids, has a powerful response to this overused remark. In her heartfelt Facebook post, she shared a moment that took place while shopping with her husband and children at a local store. A stranger approached and said, “I feel sorry for you, having your hands full with all those kids.”
Emily’s response was both poignant and enlightening. “To the person at the store who said they felt sorry for me because of my kids, here’s what I want to say,” she wrote. “First off, my hands were actually empty at the time.” She then opened up about her personal experiences, sharing the emotional journey of her family.
Emily revealed that she had endured two pregnancy losses before welcoming her current two children. After those difficult experiences, doctors informed her that conceiving again might not be possible. She and her husband had come to terms with the idea of not having more kids. However, a few months after a life-changing anniversary, she found out she was expecting her now two-year-old daughter, followed by a three-month-old son.
Emily expressed her gratitude but also reminded others that the journey to parenthood can be fraught with challenges. “You never know what someone else’s family has been through. Whether they have one child or ten, commenting on family size is not okay,” she emphasized. “Maybe they’ve longed for a child but faced obstacles, or perhaps their children were adopted. You just don’t know.”
Although Emily felt momentarily stunned by the stranger’s comment, she took to social media to articulate her feelings. “What hurt me was hearing someone express pity for me because of my children. That sentiment is never appropriate. I never want anyone to view my children as burdens or reasons for sympathy.”
In her post, she candidly acknowledged the chaos of parenting: “Yes, I do stay busy. Some days I look forward to bedtime. My kids keep me on my toes, and they always need something. But I have never seen them as an inconvenience or a reason for someone to feel sorry for me.”
This mom’s story serves as a reminder that comments about family size can be more harmful than intended. While Emily normally brushes off such remarks with humor, this instance prompted her to speak out. Parenting, while challenging, should never be portrayed as a burden.
“Don’t let anyone make you feel that your children are a hassle. You are blessed, and your kids are not an inconvenience,” she concluded.
For more insights on family planning and parenting, check out this comprehensive guide on pregnancy resources, which can be found at March of Dimes. And if you’re exploring options for conception, our post about at-home insemination kits is a valuable resource. For additional information on family dynamics, visit Modern Family Blog.
In summary, Emily Johnson’s response reminds us all to be mindful of our words. Family size is a deeply personal topic, and it’s essential to approach it with empathy rather than judgment.