I never aim to appear as a negligent parent. I don’t wake up with the intention of making poor choices for my children. But as someone who’s navigated the treacherous waters of the online parenting world, I know that one misstep can lead to harsh judgment. Apparently, if I don’t hit every parenting benchmark perfectly, I’m deemed unworthy of my children. This isn’t about true harm; it’s simply the everyday reality that all moms face. And yes, while I’d like to brush off the opinions of others, I sometimes feel those invisible glares.
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The State of My Kids’ Faces
Sometimes my kids end up with remnants of their meals smeared across their faces. Whether it’s peanut butter or chocolate milk, I had every intention of cleaning them up. But life happens: a shoe is missing, a toddler lets the dog out, or they’re too busy picking flowers to sit still. By the time we reach the store, it’s too late for a cleanup. Sure, they might look a little rough around the edges, but trust me, they’re well-loved. -
Running in the Store
My kids have energy to burn, and when they’re excited at Target, they run. And yes, this might include a tantrum over a toy they can’t have. While some bystanders may stare or offer unsolicited help, I know that this is just standard kid behavior. It’s part of the experience, and I’m completely okay with it! -
Bathroom Supervision
My 7-year-old is more than capable of taking his younger brother to the restroom. But that doesn’t stop stores from making dramatic announcements about keeping kids close. At least my kids have learned something new — what “bitch” means! -
Leaving Kids in the Car for a Moment
When I need to grab gas, I’m not about to unbuckle three kids from their car seats. Instead, I keep the car cool and locked while I dash inside. Yes, I watch them the entire time, and yes, I worry about judgment, but it’s legal in my state as long as the engine isn’t running. -
Kids’ Fashion Choices
My youngest loves his Zootopia shirt, even if it has puffy sleeves that some might consider “girly.” And my middle child? His outfit might be a chaotic combination of superhero prints and plaid pants, but he loves it. Who cares if it’s not runway-ready? -
Bumps and Scrapes
Kids are clumsy, and mine are no exception. With a series of unfortunate tumbles resulting in a banged-up face, my youngest has become quite the patchwork child with Paw Patrol Band-Aids. He’s fine, but oh, the judgment from the sidelines! -
Yelling in the Aisles
When my kids are in the cart or running around, I find myself yelling reminders to not touch everything. Some may think I’m a terrible mom for raising my voice, but I’m just trying to keep them from causing a scene. -
Unconventional Meals
Sometimes, my kids’ meals look a bit unconventional. From snack foods to fast-food fries, I’ve been known to serve whatever they’ll eat. Honestly, if they’re happy and fed, I consider it a win. -
Peeing in Unconventional Places
If my 3-year-old has to go right now, I might allow him to relieve himself behind a tree. Yes, he might show off a bit too much for comfort, but hey, when nature calls, it calls!
I know judgment is unavoidable, but I embrace my role as a mother. My kids eat their greens, learn about dinosaurs, and explore the world with curiosity. While I may not fit the traditional mold, I’m proud of the fun and love we share. And if you want to explore more about parenting and home insemination, check out this blog post for more insights.
Summary
Navigating motherhood comes with its fair share of judgments, whether it’s about the state of our children’s faces, their behavior in stores, or our unconventional meal choices. Despite the scrutiny, I know that my kids are happy and thriving, and that’s what truly matters.