Moderation Motherhood: A Parenting Philosophy for All of Us

home insemination Kit

What kind of mom do you aspire to be? In today’s world, dominated by social media oversharing, Pinterest-perfect plans, and sensational headlines, the answer is no longer as simple as “a good one.” The concept of motherhood has shifted; it feels like there’s no standard anymore, only extreme parenting styles that the internet tells us we should adopt, often backed by titles created by random authors.

Labeling extreme behaviors turns them into trendy norms. If you’re attentive, you’re a helicopter mom; if you’re strict, you’re a tiger mom. On the far ends of the parenting spectrum, there’s free-range parenting and attachment parenting. But what about the rest of us? Most of us are just trying to find our balance without a catchy title to justify our approach.

I’m proposing a new movement. It won’t be glamorous or likely to land me a book deal. You probably won’t see op-eds either defending or attacking me. But guess what? It could resonate with so many of us who don’t subscribe to rigid parenting philosophies because we’re either too tired or simply not interested.

So, let’s unite as Moderation Mothers!

Moderation itself isn’t thrilling. It doesn’t promise quick fixes or provide rules that guarantee success. Excitement sells, and extremes attract attention. In our culture, even toddlers can swipe through videos on YouTube with ease!

I’m a moderate parent. I teach my kids letters, numbers, science, and art, but I also let the electronic babysitter take over when I need a breather. Yes, I want them to eat healthily, but I’m not about to make every meal from scratch. They enjoy broccoli, but sometimes we hit up McDonald’s because I just need a moment to sip my Diet Coke and watch them play. At the playground, I’m hands-off; I let my older son resolve his issues, but I’m right there if things get physical, just as any helicopter or attachment mom would be.

Most parents want the best for their kids, but achieving that often requires significant time, energy, and money. Who has all that energy? Many days, I’m just trying to survive. And that’s perfectly okay.

I may not have every game piece in its box, and while I cherish my sons’ drawings, I haven’t organized them neatly. I snap plenty of pictures, but printing them hasn’t been a priority—like, “the baby is now 2 and there’s only one photo of him displayed” kind of priority. It’s not that I don’t want adorable baby books or a perfectly organized pantry; I simply have more pressing matters like laundry, dishes, and the ever-important task of getting some sleep.

Motherhood itself is an extreme journey. It transforms your mind, body, and relationships in ways you never anticipated. You’re responsible for nurturing and educating a human being—not just until they hit kindergarten or turn 18, but for life. There’s no point in being overly strict about it. Why spend hours crafting your child’s meals into fun shapes or quizzing them on languages during summer break? Why not read an extra bedtime story, indulge in birthday cake for breakfast, or stay in pajamas all day? Moderation Motherhood allows us to let things slide and, dare I say, actually enjoy parenting.

Being a parent is tough, but if you identify as a Moderation Mother, you’re doing the best you can, and that’s pretty awesome. For more insights on home insemination, check out this resource, and if you’re looking for expert guidance on the topic, Make a Mom has you covered. Additionally, you can find valuable information at Facts About Fertility.

Summary

Moderation Motherhood embraces a balanced approach to parenting, allowing mothers to do their best without the pressure of extreme philosophies. It’s about enjoying the journey and accepting that perfection isn’t the goal.