The internet has a loud message for parents: you don’t have to be perfect. “Stop comparing yourselves,” they urge. “End the Mommy Wars!” It seems like every corner of social media echoes the sentiment to ditch the competition and embrace a more relaxed approach to parenting. And I wholeheartedly agree! We should all strive for a sense of “good enough” when it comes to raising our kids. The pressure to judge one another’s choices needs to vanish, and we should ease up on ourselves as well.
However, here’s the truth: sometimes I just enjoy making things, and that doesn’t mean I’m trying to be the ultimate overachiever or complicating life for fellow parents. There’s a misunderstanding that if a mother engages in homemade crafts or cooking, it’s an attempt to achieve perfection or outshine others. These moms often become the target of every anti-Pinterest comment, as if they alone are responsible for the challenges of modern parenting.
I want to advocate for those of us who simply love to create. Personally, I find joy in cooking; I have a flair for design, a knack for organization, and I relish the chance to declutter. I’ve always enjoyed fashion, hair, and makeup. Throw a party? Count me in! I’ve crafted homemade Valentine cards, designed Halloween costumes, and whipped up organic meals with enthusiasm. I even apply mascara every day, because that’s just me.
Now, don’t get me wrong—there are plenty of things I don’t do. I’m not into scrapbooking, I don’t bake, I don’t volunteer at school, and I certainly don’t clean my toilets as often as I should. I don’t enroll my kids in every activity out there. Yet, when I decide to make an Egyptian-themed birthday cake complete with graham cracker crumbs for “desert sand,” it’s not to make anyone feel inferior or to gain any accolades.
I’m not perched on a pedestal, casting judgment on your store-bought treats or potluck contributions. In fact, when you ask me, “You made that?” in that tone that suggests disbelief, it actually makes me feel pretty lousy. I don’t create to showcase perfection or to make anyone uncomfortable; I do it for myself.
It may seem sad to some that I need to latch onto these creative outlets, but I have my reasons. Amid the routine and monotony of parenting, I crave moments of joy and creative expression. Whether that’s through baking a cake or organizing my closet, I seize those opportunities because they remind me of who I am.
Am I putting pressure on you to be the “perfect” parent? Absolutely not! I’m not aiming for a feature in a lifestyle magazine. I’m simply trying to reconnect with the parts of myself that spark joy in a life that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
I’ve sacrificed so much in my role as a parent; must I also abandon the things I love just because they might make someone else feel inadequate? The real issue isn’t Pinterest or the handmade versus store-bought debate; it’s that many of us have lost sight of our identities beyond motherhood. We’re all navigating this journey, trying to find what works for us.
The way to rediscover ourselves is to stay true to who we are, even if it means making creative lunches that draw some raised eyebrows and online criticism. When I find myself rolling my eyes at trends and thinking, “That’s so silly—who has time for that?” I remind myself that it’s not my place to judge.
After all, sometimes I just like to make things, too. If you’re interested in more about navigating this journey of parenthood, check out this insightful post on navigating the challenges of modern parenting. And if you’re looking for reputable resources for at-home insemination, check out Cryobaby for quality kits. For more information on fertility and pregnancy, Science Daily offers excellent articles worth exploring.
In summary, the essence of parenting is not about perfection but rather finding joy in the things we love. Embracing our individuality can help us navigate the complexities of motherhood without losing ourselves along the way.
Leave a Reply