Social media has led to the EASE of “mom shaming” — the snarky talk that was before relegated to parks, soccer games, moms groups and playdates is now easy to find online, in front of your face, every day. All this negativity may have some of us doubting whether or not we’re a “good mom.”
Life is all about choices, and apparently a lot of us parents feel that OUR choices are the only good ones. And then, a lot of us feel like we make the WRONG ones no matter how hard we try. We don’t need anyone to shame us. We shame ourselves plenty.
I think mom Ashle Potter had this in mind as she set out to post to Facebook earlier this week. Her mom-affirming words brought TEARS to my eyes and were just what I needed to hear. Whether others are questioning your parenting choices or whether you’re giving YOURSELF a hard time, I think you might just need to hear them too. She says:
“To the mom who’s breastfeeding: Way to go! It really is an amazing gift to give your baby, for any amount of time that you can manage! You’re a good mom.
To the mom who’s formula feeding: Isn’t science amazing? To think there was a time when a baby with a mother who couldn’t produce enough would suffer, but now? Better living through chemistry! You’re a good mom.
To the cloth diapering mom: Fluffy bums are the cutest, and so friendly on the bank account. You’re a good mom.
To the disposable diapering mom: Wow those things hold a lot, and it’s excellent to not worry about leakage and laundry! You’re a good mom.
To the mom who stays home: I can imagine it isn’t easy doing what you do, but to spend those precious years with your babies must be amazing. You’re a good mom.
