“Are they all yours?” It’s a question that seems to pop up far too often, usually from those who also inquire, “Are you the nanny?” or “Are you expecting?” It’s baffling how some individuals lack basic social awareness.
One mom, tired of constantly fielding the question about her four children, decided to take matters into her own hands. Enter Emily Hartman, who crafted a stylish cotton tote bag as a cheeky response to those intrusive queries. Available on her Etsy store, Family Matters, for $19.99, the bag’s message is clear: “Yes, they are all mine.”
On her Etsy page, Emily explains, “I designed this tote for our little traveling circus as a playful answer to the ‘Are they all yours?’ questions we frequently encounter.” Even before having four kids, she noted that the questions started rolling in when she had just three.
As a doctor, I can attest to the peculiarities of social interactions once someone becomes a parent. It’s as if personal boundaries vanish. From unsolicited advice during pregnancy to the barrage of awkward questions post-birth, mothers often find themselves navigating a minefield of inappropriate inquiries. Emily shares her perspective: “People mean well but often don’t realize how their comments land. It’s exhausting to hear the same thing multiple times a day.”
Take, for example, a friend of mine whose child has a lighter complexion. She frequently faced the question, “Are you the nanny?” Who would dare ask such a thing? While some may intend to engage in light conversation, questions about family dynamics and size can quickly become uncomfortable.
Emily embraces her large family and is even open to the idea of adding more children in the future. “Witnessing the bonds between my kids is magical,” she says. “Some of my favorite moments are when the older siblings meet their new sibling for the first time.” Her joy in family life is palpable, and she feels no need to justify her choices to anyone.
There’s a popular saying that resonates here: “I used to care what people thought of me until I tried to pay my bills with their opinions.”
If you’re interested in exploring more about family planning and home insemination, check out our other blog post on intracervical insemination. For comprehensive information on artificial insemination, Make A Mom is a great resource. Additionally, you can find helpful guidance on what to expect with your first IUI at Parents.
In summary, Emily Hartman’s tote bag not only makes a statement about family size but also highlights the challenges parents face when confronted with intrusive questions. It’s a lighthearted yet effective way to assert one’s choices in a world full of unsolicited opinions.