So, here I am, a busy parent of twin toddlers, sporadically finding time to jot down my thoughts between diaper changes, laundry cycles, and the never-ending quest for sleep. In the midst of it all, I share my experiences, from my mental health struggles to my past issues with addiction and the ups and downs of parenting. I’m an open book, and while some may interpret my sincerity as whining, I assure you, I am simply unashamed and transparent about my journey.
A couple of weeks ago, frustration got the best of me, and I decided to express my feelings about the contradictory and often judgmental rules of parenting. Most people resonated with my words—most, but not all.
Enter the small group of adults, both men and women, who either skimmed my post or missed the point entirely. They took a glance at the title, “Excuse Me While I Lather My Child With Toxic Death Cream,” and suddenly, I was public enemy number one. It felt like stepping onto a battlefield armed with nothing but toddler jam and a lack of pants, while they came ready with guilt, shame, and a sprinkle of hatred.
Let’s get real—my post was intended as satire. Humor is how I cope with life’s absurdities. I’ve faced my demons as a recovered addict and an assault survivor, and I often lean on dry, sarcastic humor to navigate my reality. If that’s lost on you, then my writing likely won’t resonate either. I’m not trying to be a self-help guru or a scientific authority. I’ve moved beyond my previous outlets of drugs and self-loathing, and I think that’s progress.
It’s disheartening to see how rampant substance abuse, mental health issues, and hate have become in our society. Within just 24 hours of my blog post going live, I received a message telling me to end my life. Yes, my lighthearted take on sunscreen sparked such vitriol that someone felt compelled to send me that message. I also faced comments suggesting I should have aborted my children—more than once. These hateful messages were just the tip of the iceberg.
I included a family photo with my post, hoping that maybe, by humanizing myself, it would encourage some to think before they type. It’s easy to hide behind a screen while throwing around hate. I can’t fathom that mindset, but I refuse to let it silence my voice of compassion.
Despite the negativity, I haven’t deleted a single comment or responded in anger. I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion. When I receive overwhelming support from over 2 million readers, it tells me I’m onto something important.
I was blindsided by the reaction my post received—over 2 million views and half a million likes within three days. It even caught the attention of major networks like ABC and NBC/Today. And to think, it started as a simple expression of my struggles!
I was amazed by how many exhausted parents reached out, thanking me for voicing their feelings. Many shared their own battles, some revealing they had felt suicidal until they read my post. They expressed gratitude for feeling less alone and gaining permission to continue their journey.
What I didn’t realize was how deep the “Mommy Wars” ran. Why are we so quick to attack one another? My post wasn’t merely about sunscreen; it was about our internal struggles with judgment and shame. I truly wish I could clarify that for anyone who misunderstood my tone.
All I want is for us to support one another, regardless of our parenting choices. We’re all navigating a challenging path, and it’s high time we stop the shaming and unite in solidarity.
In the end, my piece was about parental exhaustion and the absurdity of feeling lost in a sea of conflicting advice. The responses were polarized, as I was either naïve for trusting studies or foolish for questioning them. Where’s the middle ground?
To those who feel compelled to judge or criticize, I urge you to pause and consider the shared struggles we all face. When you fire shots at someone, remember, they might just be in the same trench as you.
So, if you have the inclination to leave a nasty comment on a blog post from a mother who’s overcome mental illness, suicide attempts, and substance abuse, think twice: she’s likely tougher than you realize.
Wishing you all a good day!
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Summary
This blog discusses the challenges of parenting and the unexpected backlash from a humorous post about sunscreen. Author Jamie Parker shares her experiences and frustrations while highlighting the need for support among parents, rather than judgment. The article emphasizes the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of overwhelming criticism.