#1: I don't use cloth diapers. I've pondered the idea, but for me and my family.. Disposables work much better. (Am I a horrible mom for using disposable diapers? Nope)
#2. I didn’t have a home birth. I am high risk, why on earth would I put myself or my baby in jeopardy? Granted I know several moms who had home births and loved it.. Great for them. ( Am I a horrible mother for delivering at the hospital? Nope)
#3. I don’t wear my babies. Not like all day, everyday. I'm a firm believer that they need to crawl, and move. Granted if I'm going for a walk.. Sure, but currently I have a 43lb toddler, and am 22 weeks pregnant.. So that fixes that lol. (Am I not showing my child enough love or bonding because they aren't worn everyday all day? Nope)
#4. My kids sleep in their own crib and bed. Sure, the first 3 months our first was with us, in our bed and then in our room, it made our lifestyle easier since I was nursing. By 6 months old, he was in his own room and bed.. Still is. Does that mean I don't care, or I don't support their emotional needs? Nope, it's a choice.
#5. We vaccinate on schedule. I know this one is really controversial, but I felt like it was right for our family based on the research we did. We did miss the flu vaccine this year, which I'm not convinced that's a bad thing. There was one appointment I believe that I did split his shots up, because he was being introduced to a new shot and I wanted to see his reaction first. Since this one is super controversial, I'll just leave it at, it's still a choice.
#6. I wash my hair, use deodorant, wear make-up, and shave. There are chemicals in literally almost everything.. My personal preference is to continue my hygiene obviously reading labels carefully, but again.. Personal choice.
#7. My toddler drinks cows milk. Whoa.. He also regularly eats dairy and is perfectly content with it. I grew up on a farm, and we drank cows milk, ate fruits and veggies from the garden and there weren't harmful chemicals or crazy people injecting animals with harmful hormones and everything else back then either. So I choose options without added hormones, and chemicals. This again is a choice.. It doesn't make me a bad mom. Some kids have dairy intolerances, so they can't.. Again it's all choices. Is the mom that only gives her kids soy milk and no dairy better than me? Nope.. Am I better than her, nope.
#8. The way I discipline my child. This one is also super controversial, and I'm still learning. My child is very strong minded and he gets it honest. Yelling is the worst for him, he just yells. Most of the time I'm learning that a firm talking to at his level in a firm but gentle tone works better than anything. Giving him an opportunity to explain to me why he is angry, or acting out also helps. But you know.. If he gets too far out of line, he gets a time out, or even (heaven forbid) a spanking. Again, all personal choices. But I must be doing something right, because when we are out I constantly get compliments on how well-behaved, mannerable, and kind my two year old is.
#9. My pantry isn't all organic. In fact, I very rarely have anything "organic" in my pantry. Growing up on a farm, organic is supposed to mean free of dyes, chemicals, parabens, gluten, and plenty of other hormones, etc. Well, not all organic food is truly organic, it's been proven over and over again.. So why pay 2-3x more money for something that isn't guaranteed to be better for you? My solution.. I read all my labels, I make the best economical choices that are healthy and fresh for my family. That does not necessarily equal organic. But again, I know there are moms who swear solely by organic foods.. More power to you- it's all a personal choice.
#10. My kid has sugar. Oh dear God.. Did I just say that? Yep, he had a cupcake for snack just the other day. Granted, his sugar intake is limited because we don't need him all jacked up like a crazy kid.. But on occasion he gets sugar, and fruit juice. Usually his juice is 90% water, and some juice but even if I wanted to give him a whole cup of juice.. It's my choice, my consequences.. But my choice. It's my belief that things are good in moderation, Lord knows I don't want my kid going to school and being "that kid" who is bargaining for an Oreo because he has never had the experience of eating one before. Again-- all choices.
When it comes right down to it, I think labeling parenting (or lifestyles) is kind of rediculous. We are all just trying to do our best for our children based on what we know. My choices aren't perfect in the eyes of everyone, but that doesn't matter to me.. I know I have a healthy baby in my belly, and a healthy toddler and that's what is important.
To the moms who find yourself constantly chiming in on others.. Think about how that would make you feel? Being a mom is a hard job, but if you and your kids are happy and healthy.. Then who gives a crap; it's a hard enough job without having other moms constantly breathing down your back on how "THEY" think "YOU" should raise "YOUR" child.
My intent for this post, was to be a reality check for all of us moms.. We should be boosting each other up, not tearing each other down.
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