Being a Good Mom: Who is to Judge?
So many of my mom friends talk about the “right” way to do things. As I shared last week, I’m pretty sure being a good mom is about doing what is best for your child and your family. I think this applies to any area of parenthood. I’m all about moms trusting themselves.
But I know it can be hard. It seems like there is always someone around to judge or criticize parenting choices, no matter what choices you make. I know how this can be. I’ve made plenty of decisions that have caused people to give me their two cents.
My Parenting Choices
Here are just a few decisions that I have received “advice” on over the past 22 months.
- I only saw a midwife for prenatal care. (Yes, there were people who thought I was getting lower level care.)
- I gave birth in a birthing center, not a hospital. I am debating home birth for the future.
- I had a waterbirth.
- I pick W up when he cries. I don’t worry about it spoiling him.
- We cosleep.
- I used cloth diapers for 10 months and then switched to mostly disposable diapers.
- I get him vaccinated on the regular schedule.
- I have never had him on a set schedule. I follow his cues.
Do these make me any better or worse of a mom then my friend down the street? I don’t think so! I have my son’s best interests at heart. I want to see him grow up to be a happy and healthy young man. I want my family to be full of love and support. As long I keep those goals in mind when I make decisions, I don’t think I can go wrong!
This is the way I feel about all moms and dads! So go with your gut and give your child (and family) what is needed! Love is the key! Everything else are just details.
About Mariah
I think you’re right that each parent needs to do what they think is best for their situation ~ and that may even vary from kid to kid. Each child is different and the way the child is raised should be decided by his/her parents. Nice post.
Kristin Wheeler (MamaLuvsBooks) recently posted..PULL-UPS® Night*Time Glow in the Dark Training Pants ~ A Fun and Bright Way to Potty Train!
Thank you so much for sharing this. I get really sick of hearing all of the “advice” from others on how to be a “better mom”. I couldn’t agree with anything you said more – being a good parent is about doing what YOU think is best for your child.
Amber Killmon recently posted..Get Kids Cooking with Jo!e
I don’t have kids and for me, parents know best. . So i don’t judge, they are the parent and they know their child best and what will work and what won’t.
Kelsey APley recently posted..Outback Steakhouse: Free Bloomin’ Onion (Today Only 10/8)
I’ve certainly felt judged, particularly when I told my family and friends that I was changing doctors and hospitals in order to get my VBAC. So glad I did what I knew was best!
Crissy recently posted..Patchwork Road Meaningful Marketplace Giveaway
It’s certainly hard to say what a ‘right’ way to parent is. Though as least based on what you said, we seems to be in agreement. (Mind you I’m not a parent myself. Just someone who has worked with children a lot in the past and has a strong opinion about parenting matters.
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