By: Sarah Collins
Date: Jan. 1, 2023
-
I won’t utter, “I’ve been there, done that.”
Trust me, I’ve heard this phrase far too often, both from friends and strangers alike. It might seem comforting, but when you’re in the midst of a chaos—like when your little ones are wailing at the store—it’s the least helpful thing to hear. I still remember that one time in the craft aisle when a stranger decided to share her “been there, done that” wisdom while my three kids were having a meltdown. Instead of making me feel better, it just made me want to toss some glitter in her face. I managed to say, “Sorry, can’t hear you—my kids are crying,” but oh, how I wanted to add, “so zip it.” -
I will refrain from offering unsolicited advice.
You won’t find me bringing over parenting articles, sending you emails with tips, or gifting you a subscription to any parenting magazines unless you specifically ask for them. If you’re exhausted to the point where you’ve accidentally done something wild like used the sink instead of the toilet, trust that you don’t need me to show up with sleep training books. I know you’re just sharing your struggle, not asking for advice. -
I won’t overshadow your experiences with my own.
If you’re sharing your frustrations about your child bringing home lice, I won’t jump in with a horror story about my own lice experience followed by some gross incident with my dog. Everyone has their battles, and I understand that sometimes, it’s not about who’s faced worse. Hearing about someone else’s nightmare can make you feel worse, not better. -
I won’t point out your child’s missing shoes or clothes.
You know your kids better than anyone. If they’re hungry, tired, or throwing a fit, you’re likely aware. I’ll trust that you’re doing your best, whether you’re just surviving or trying to get home. However, if your little one has their hands in their diaper and is making a mess, I might gently mention it and offer to help because, well, I know how it goes. -
I won’t pressure you to cherish every single moment.
Let’s be real: there are times when your toddler thinks your shoulder is a chew toy, or when you’re in the grocery store dealing with a meltdown over staying in the cart. Those aren’t the moments we’ll cherish in a scrapbook. The exhausting challenges of potty training, teething, and sleepless nights? They’re just part of the journey, not the highlights. I won’t make you feel guilty for not loving every second of it.
These are my sincere commitments to you—every one of you navigating this wild ride of motherhood. Best of luck to you all!
For more insights into the journey of motherhood, check out this blog post that dives deeper into the experiences of expecting mothers. And if you’re looking for reliable resources and products, consider visiting Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits or WebMD for helpful information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary:
In this article, I’ve shared five promises to expecting moms, emphasizing empathy and understanding over unsolicited advice and comparisons. Motherhood is filled with challenges, and it’s essential to support one another without adding to the pressure. Let’s embrace the journey together, knowing that not every moment is perfect, and that’s completely okay.
Leave a Reply