Parenting is a wild ride, and I’ll let you in on a little secret: my kids munch on M&Ms every day. Yes, you read that right! I willingly hand them those sugary treats. Why? Because sometimes you just need a little bribery to get your little ones to behave—like using the toilet or picking up their toys. M&Ms have become my secret weapon.
I’ve been a mom for over two decades, which is a whopping half my life! That’s plenty of time to witness the Internet evolve from a simple dial-up connection to an integral part of our lives. Today, not being online can feel like a bold statement.
While the Internet has its perks—like reassuring you that other parents face similar challenges—it also comes with a downside. It often breeds guilt. There’s a never-ending stream of articles suggesting that if you don’t cloth diaper or breastfeed, you’re somehow responsible for all of Earth’s problems. Just last week, I stumbled upon Yahoo’s #noshameparenting initiative. It’s a refreshing reminder that we should embrace our parenting choices without guilt, but I must admit, I didn’t even know Yahoo was still a thing!
No matter how often we hear that it’s okay to let kids watch TV, there’s always a new study warning us that it stunts brain development or encourages future criminal behavior. Shame doesn’t help; it just pushes us to hide our struggles out of fear of judgment. So here’s a friendly reminder of what you shouldn’t feel ashamed about:
- Feeding your baby formula or breast milk? Absolutely fine! Nutrition is what matters most.
- Letting your child watch PBS? Go for it! It’s educational.
- Skipping bath night? Sometimes, dirt can be a protective shield.
On the flip side, don’t feel guilty about things like giving your toddler a little Benadryl to help them sleep (because sleep is crucial), but definitely be ashamed if you’re giving them a shot of rum—that’s just not okay.
You know what? Daily parenting decisions aren’t worth stressing over. That overly critical mom judging you probably hasn’t faced the chaos of a two-hour car ride with a screaming toddler.
Remember, parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs. For more insights on navigating this adventure, check out Kindbody’s blog, which is a fantastic resource for all things related to pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re looking to boost your fertility, don’t miss Make a Mom’s fertility supplements—they’re an authority on the topic. Also, for more on privacy and parenting, take a look at our other blog post here.
Summary
Parenting can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be filled with guilt. Embrace the choices you make for your kids, whether it’s letting them watch TV, feeding them M&Ms, or skipping bath night. The important thing is to focus on what works for your family and to remember that every parent faces their own struggles.