Who would have thought I was parenting all wrong? I mean, I genuinely believe my kids are turning out wonderfully. They earn good grades, have great personalities, treat their siblings well, and are respectful to others. I feel optimistic about their future as contributing members of society. Yet, every time I scroll through my Facebook feed, I’m bombarded with reminders that I might be failing.
How could I not feel this way? My feed is flooded with perfect-parenting updates, alarming news about children, and a montage of opinions from social, political, and medical experts—along with a sprinkle of advice from your well-meaning grandma. There’s a constant mix of sanctimonious parents, those who hover over their kids, free-range advocates, and modern moms, all presenting an overwhelming array of parenting philosophies. It’s like a never-ending buffet of parenting advice that leaves me feeling inadequate. If I took all this to heart, I might think I was ruining my kids. And if I were a young mom, just starting out? I’d probably be terrified of the journey ahead.
So, who is doing it right? Based on a week of Facebook posts and comments, here are some ways you might be “failing” at parenting:
- C-Section: You must have taken the easy way out.
- Drug-Free Birth: You’re shaming moms who needed pain relief.
- Medicated Birth: Seriously? You couldn’t handle a few contractions?
- Home Birth: Do you realize how risky that is?
- Breastfeeding: You’re showing off and making others feel bad.
- Formula Feeding: You quit too soon; it’s supposed to be natural!
- Combination Feeding: You couldn’t commit to one method?
- Co-Sleeping: You could harm your baby’s development.
- Crib Sleeping: You don’t want your baby close to you all the time?
- Disposable Diapers: You’re filling landfills with toxic waste!
- Cloth Diapers: Seriously? You enjoy scrubbing poop?
- Homemade Baby Food: Who has time for that?
- Store-Bought Baby Food: Do you even know what’s in that stuff?
- Late Potty Training: Way too late; kids should be trained by 18 months!
- Early Potty Training: That’s unrealistic; let them decide when they’re ready.
- Public School: You’re sending them to a place where they won’t learn?
- Private School: You must be wealthy or super religious.
- Homeschooling: Why would you want to be with your kids all day?
- Daughters in Dresses: You’re reinforcing outdated gender roles!
- Boys with Toy Guns: Do you not watch the news? No guns!
- Son in Sports: Why not introduce him to cooking or gardening?
- Daughter in Arts: You’re just preparing her for a life in the kitchen.
- Telling Daughters They’re Pretty: You’re limiting their self-worth!
- Not Telling Daughters They’re Pretty: You’re setting her up for failure!
- Letting Sons Cry: Boys must show strength; emotions are for girls!
- Telling Sons Not to Cry: You’re creating a nation of weak men!
- Sleepovers: You can’t allow it; there are dangers everywhere!
- Not Allowing Sleepovers: You’re being overprotective!
- Allowing Teen Swearing: You’re just being classless, trying too hard to be cool.
- Restricting Teen Swearing: They need to express themselves freely!
- Daughter Dating at 16: You’re just asking for trouble!
- Daughter Dating at 18: She needs experience; don’t hold her back.
- Daughter Dressing Provocatively: You’re asking for trouble!
- Daughter Dressing Modestly: You’re teaching her to hide and feel ashamed.
- Working Full-Time: How can you leave your kids all day?
- Staying Home: You’re not setting a good example for your kids.
What I truly wish is for mothers to uplift each other, regardless of how they choose to parent. Even if you disagree with someone’s methods, simply say, “I may not agree, but I support you and what works for your family. You are not failing as a parent.” For more insights on parenting, check out our discussion about home insemination at this link.
In the realm of home insemination, Cryobaby’s home insemination syringe kit combo is an excellent resource. For those considering pregnancy, the Fertility Center at Johns Hopkins offers invaluable information.
In summary, parenting is a personal journey, and it’s okay to feel uncertain. Embrace your unique style and remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.