Pregnancy can be a thrilling yet overwhelming experience, especially for moms who already have a full house. As a mom expecting baby number six while wrangling five kids, I can tell you that I already anticipate the eye-roll-worthy comments that will come my way when I step out with my growing family. It’s not enough that I’m dealing with the usual chaos; I really don’t need unsolicited remarks from strangers to escalate my stress levels.
If you happen to encounter a busy, slightly frazzled pregnant woman managing several lively children, do yourself a favor and avoid saying any of the following:
- “Wow, you’ve got your hands full!” Thanks for the observation, Sherlock! While this might seem harmless, I assure you we hear it so often it’s practically a daily mantra. It’s not that we don’t appreciate the sentiment, but it gets old quickly.
- “Don’t you know how that happens?” Actually, we’re completely in the dark about the whole process. In this day and age, we’re educated women, and it would be great if you could enlighten us—preferably while a curious five-year-old is present to add to the awkwardness!
- “Are you getting fixed after this one?” First off, that’s none of your business. Our reproductive choices are personal, thank you very much. If you promise not to pry into my life, I’ll keep my inquiries about yours to myself.
- “Are you trying to overpopulate the planet?” Nope, just trying to ensure that our kids can outnumber the silliness in the world. Also, remember, our children will be contributing to society in a couple of decades, so you might want to thank us for that.
- “How do you do it?” Honestly, we have no clue! If we had a secret formula for sanity, we’d probably be penning bestsellers and living the dream with hired help instead of managing everything ourselves. For now, we just take it one day at a time and occasionally indulge in a glass of wine when the kids are asleep.
So what can you say to a pregnant mom of many that won’t make her want to roll her eyes? Here are some thoughtful ideas:
- “What a lovely family you have!”
- “You look amazing!”
- “Can I grab you some chocolate?”
Or if you prefer, a warm smile and a nod of encouragement can also go a long way. Trust me, we truly appreciate the silence since it’s a rare luxury for us. Just a friendly gesture can make our day a little brighter without the worry of hearing one of those common comments.
If you’re interested in more insights and tips, check out this post on home insemination kits that cover various aspects of family planning. And for more great resources, this article on in vitro fertilisation might be useful.
In summary, being a pregnant mom of many comes with its own set of challenges and unsolicited advice. By being mindful of your words, you can help lighten the load for moms like us.