Being a Mom

One of the biggest lessons I've learned in my short time being a mom is tolerance. Being a mom is a tough job and the last thing any parent needs is another mother forcing her opinions and judgements on your family. I believe the best thing we can do for other mothers is simply be supportive. You aren't the one walking the floors with her colicky baby until 3am, dealing with the frustrations of potty training her independent toddler, sitting at her dining room table doing homework with her ten year old or disciplining her free spirited teenager. Point being, you have no idea what goes on in her family 99% of the time, so who are you to judge the choices she makes in raising her children?

My close knit group of friends has drastically different parenting styles which leads to very different decisions we each make for our children thus far. Some vaccinate, some don't, some do alternative schedules. Some breastfeed, some don't and some extend breastfeeding well into toddlerhood. Some cosleep, some have their baby in their crib from day one. Some stay at home and some work. I could fill pages with all the differences but in spite of all these differences in parenting choices, there is one major similiarity in all of our children. They are happy, well adjusted and loved. What I appreciate in these women is no one condemns anyone else's decisions. Each mother will listen to other points of view with respect, share her opinion and ultimately make the call on what works for her child. No one's feelings are hurt and everyone walks away with a little more understanding.

I firmly believe every mother makes the best decisions she can for her children and although it may not be the same decisions you would make, that doesn't make her wrong. As mothers, we need to create a community of support to build each other up, not tear each other down. We are already working hard enough raising beautiful, healthy and happy children - why should we have to add more to our plate by having to defend our choices?

I will now step down from my soapbox and reward you with some cuteness for listening to my rant: