If you’ve ever been a child, you’ve probably heard the saying that honesty is the best policy. And if you’ve stepped into the world of parenting, you may have found that this principle doesn’t always apply in the company of fellow moms. While we don’t typically engage in harmful deceit, we do have a knack for bending the truth a little when it comes to protecting feelings or avoiding awkward situations. Here are eight harmless lies that moms often tell each other:
- Your child was wonderful. The initial question every mom asks after a playdate is about her child’s behavior. If your little one accidentally turned my living room into a war zone, I might keep that detail to myself and simply say he was “great!” After all, we all have off days, and I don’t want to make you feel like a failure.
- Your child is precious. We all believe our kids are the most beautiful beings on the planet, but asking for validation can put others in an uncomfortable position. When you ask, “Isn’t he adorable?” I might nod in agreement, knowing full well that cuteness can be subjective. Let’s just say your kid has their own unique charm!
- Your child is just like everyone else. Every mom has her moments of doubt about her child’s development. When you express your worries about milestones, I’ll probably reassure you that your child is absolutely perfectly normal. While I’m not a pediatrician, I’m not going to add to your worries either. Instead, I’ll offer supportive words and maybe suggest a check-up—just to be safe.
- Excuse the mess. Before your arrival, I frantically tidied up to make my home presentable. Yet when you walk in, I’ll apologize for the chaos, hoping you think it’s usually spotless. Little do you know, I just did a whirlwind cleanup that barely scratched the surface!
- No need to clean up. After a playdate, the aftermath can look like a tornado hit my living room. Yet I always say, “Don’t worry about the mess; we’ll handle it.” The truth? I could use a hand! But I understand how challenging it can be to get kids to tidy up, so I let it slide to avoid any awkwardness.
- We can’t make it because… When I decline an invitation, I often pull out some excuse about a sick child or a prior commitment. The reality? Maybe I just don’t want to wear real pants today or deal with any kids beyond my own. I prefer to keep things polite, so I go with a more palatable reason.
- My child is doing that too! It’s all too easy to fall into the comparison trap. When you tell me your kid is mastering skills at lightning speed, I feel compelled to keep up. Sure, my version of “potty training” might involve a couple of accidents, and my take on “reading” might be memory recitation from a favorite story. But who needs the specifics?
- You look fabulous! When you show up looking like you’ve just survived a zombie apocalypse, I won’t call it out. Instead, I’ll assure you that you look perfectly fine, knowing that every mom has been there. It’s all about lifting each other up, even when we don’t feel our best.
In the realm of motherhood, these little white lies are merely gestures of kindness aimed at boosting each other’s confidence. They stem from good intentions and help us navigate the often turbulent waters of parenting. For more insights on navigating the journey of motherhood, check out this related blog post here. You can also find helpful resources on pregnancy and home insemination at Womens Health and for those interested in at-home insemination, Make A Mom offers reputable kits.
In summary, while we may share a few harmless fibs with one another, these little lies are rooted in compassion and camaraderie. They reflect our desire to support each other in the beautiful, chaotic journey of motherhood.
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