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Stop Buying Stuff for Your Kids While Neglecting Yourself
You know, I used to be all about treating myself—until I became a parent. Somewhere along the way, I stopped buying things for myself. I mean, my bras had holes in them, and my underwear was so old it could practically start kindergarten. My closet? A mishmash of high-end pieces dating back to the last time a Clinton was in office, along with random items that looked like they came from a thrift store clearance bin.
As my kids continued to grow at lightning speed, I found myself pouring my clothing budget into their wardrobes instead. I convinced myself that if they looked fabulous, it would somehow reflect positively on me. I could just hear people thinking, “Sure, that mom looks like she just rolled out of bed, but her kids are dressed to the nines!”
But then, reality hit hard. My daughter’s preschool was having a big ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new building, and I planned to sneak in and out before the event kicked off. Spoiler alert: I failed miserably and arrived right on time. There I was, a hot mess in a long-sleeve, red-and-orange-striped shirt, black jeans, and Converse—looking like a wannabe cast member from a 70s kids’ show.
I ended up sitting in my car, waiting for the whole thing to blow over so I could pick up my daughter without being seen. Enough was enough.
The very next day, I decided to treat myself and hit up Marshall’s for some new tops and sweaters. But as I walked through the store, I was bombarded with kid stuff everywhere. My mind started racing: “Ooh, those cute barrettes for my daughter! And more socks for my son! They would love…”
Hold on a second—what was I doing? I didn’t need to buy my kids more stuff. It was bad enough I was already planning to scour three grocery stores to cater to their every whim. Did I really want to add to the pile of toys that would inevitably end up lost or forgotten?
I overheard another mom contemplating some frilly headbands and boldly declared, “I am not buying my children one more thing!” As I walked away from the display, I felt strangely empowered. “They have everything, and I have nothing.”
The other mom chimed in, “You’re right! You’ve inspired me. I was just going to buy something for my girls, but they totally don’t need it.”
I felt a little taller, having encouraged someone else to prioritize herself, too. Sure, denying my kids might lead to some minor tantrums, but it was a step in the right direction.
I realized I mattered. It was time to treat myself and forget about the kids for a moment. After all, showering them with stuff doesn’t make me a better mom.
If you’re looking for more insights into this journey of self-care and parenting, check out our other blog posts. They dive into topics like home insemination and pregnancy resources such as the CDC’s excellent guide on assisted reproductive technology.
Summary
In this lighthearted blog post, Jamie Thompson shares a personal experience of neglecting herself while focusing on her children’s needs. After a humbling moment at her daughter’s preschool event, she resolves to prioritize her own wardrobe over her kids’ endless clothing and toy demands. This journey highlights the importance of self-care for parents and encourages others to break the cycle of putting their own needs last.