Who knew I was navigating this parenting journey so wrong? I mean, my kids are doing pretty well in life—good grades, vibrant personalities, kindness towards others, and respect for strangers. I honestly believe they have a solid chance of becoming responsible adults and valuable members of society.
Each day, I try to hold onto that belief, but then my Facebook feed throws me into a whirlwind of self-doubt.
How could it not? My feed is crowded with perfect-parenting updates, alarming news articles about children, opinions from all walks of life—teachers, doctors, psychologists, and even the occasional religious leader. Add in the sanctimommies, helicopter parents, free-range advocates, and millennial moms, and it feels like I’m at a never-ending buffet of parenting advice. Everyone seems to have the “correct” approach, often more extreme than my own. It’s a miracle I can face another day of motherhood. If I took every post to heart, I’d be convinced I was ruining my children. And if I were a new mom in my 20s? I can’t imagine how I’d muster the courage to raise kids in this age of social media scrutiny.
Is anyone really doing it right? Based on a week’s worth of Facebook posts and comments, here’s a list of ways you might be failing as a parent:
- Had a C-section? You obviously couldn’t handle a “natural” birth, right?
- Opted for a drug-free hospital birth? You’re shaming those who needed pain relief—why so brave?
- Went for a medicated hospital birth? What? You couldn’t tough it out through a few contractions?
- Chose a home birth? Seriously? Medical advancements exist for a reason.
- Breastfed? You’re just showing off and shaming formula-feeding moms.
- Formula-fed? Clearly, you gave up too soon.
- Did both breastfeeding and formula feeding? One wasn’t good enough for you?
- Co-slept? You could be endangering your child’s future development.
- Used a crib? How sad that you don’t want your baby close at all times.
- Chose disposable diapers? Those are lined with toxic chemicals!
- Used cloth diapers? Really? You enjoy washing poop-laden cotton?
- Made your own baby food? Who has time for that in today’s world?
- Bought jarred baby food? Do you even know what’s in that?
- Potty trained after age 3? That’s way too late!
- Potty trained at 18 months? That’s unrealistic.
- Sent your kids to public school? Really mixing with “average” kids?
- Chose private school? Are you one of those elitist parents?
- Homeschooling? Do you even know how to socialize them?
- Daughters in dresses? Hello? It’s 2023!
- Allowed boys to play with toy guns? Don’t you watch the news?
- Son in sports? What about nurturing other skills?
- Daughter loves baking and ballet? You’re limiting her potential!
- Told your daughter she’s pretty? That’s so damaging!
- Didn’t tell her she’s pretty? Now she won’t value herself.
- Let your son cry? Boys shouldn’t show emotions!
- Told him not to cry? You’re raising a generation of weak men.
- Allowed sleepovers? You could be putting them in danger.
- Didn’t allow sleepovers? You’re too paranoid!
- Let teens swear? You’re not being a cool parent, just classless.
- Didn’t let them swear? They need to express themselves freely!
- Let your daughter date at 16? She’s asking for trouble.
- Didn’t let her date until 18? You’re stifling her growth.
- Let her dress provocatively? She’s asking for trouble!
- Made her dress modestly? You’re implying all boys are predators.
- Work full-time? How could you leave your children all day?
- Stay home full-time? You’re setting a bad example for your kids.
What I truly wish is that we, as mothers, could support one another. Even if someone’s parenting style differs from yours, or you think they’re completely misguided—hold back any judgment. Just say, “I might not agree with your methods, but I support you and what works for your family. You’re not failing as a parent.”
For more insights on navigating the world of parenting, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re looking for a reputable online retailer of at-home insemination kits, visit Make A Mom. They offer a variety of options for those on this journey. Also, for comprehensive information about pregnancy and home insemination, Medline Plus is an excellent resource.
In summary, let’s recognize that parenting is a personal journey filled with unique challenges. Embracing our differences rather than judging one another can create a more supportive community for all parents.
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