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Embracing Moderation in Motherhood: A Parenting Philosophy for Everyone
What kind of parent do you aspire to be? In a world dominated by social media oversharing, meticulously crafted Pinterest boards, and sensational headlines, the answer is no longer as simple as “a good one.” The concept of motherhood seems to have morphed into a spectrum of extremes, with various online communities promoting distinct parenting styles, often accompanied by catchy labels created by writers seeking clicks.
These labels can normalize extreme behaviors, turning them into trends. For instance, if you’re hands-off, you’re labeled a “free-range parent,” while a more involved approach may earn you the title of “helicopter mom.” But what about the vast majority of parents who don’t fit neatly into these categories? You know, the ones who are just trying to do their best without the desire or energy to commit to a rigid parenting philosophy?
I propose a new movement—one that embraces moderation. It might not be glamorous or headline-worthy, and it likely won’t land anyone a book deal. However, it could resonate with all those parents out there who feel overwhelmed by the pressure to conform to extreme parenting ideologies. So let’s rally together as Moderation Mothers.
By definition, moderation might not be thrilling. It doesn’t promise quick fixes or surefire success through strict adherence to a set of rules. The allure of extreme parenting is palpable; it’s fresh, exciting, and often gets attention. In a culture where even toddlers can navigate YouTube, it’s no wonder that extremes dominate the conversation.
I practice moderate parenting. I teach my children the alphabet, numbers, science, and art, but I also allow the “electronic babysitter” to take over when I need a breather. I strive for healthy meals, yet I’m not about to start whipping up every dish from scratch. Sure, they eat broccoli, but they enjoy McDonald’s too because sometimes I just need to sip a Diet Coke while watching them play. I’m relatively hands-off at the playground, encouraging my older son to navigate challenges on his own, but I’m there in a flash if things escalate.
Most parents genuinely want the best for their children, but achieving that often demands vast amounts of time, energy, and resources. And let’s face it, who has that kind of energy all the time? Many days, I’m not crafting memorable experiences; I’m just surviving until bedtime. And that’s absolutely fine.
While most of my kids’ game pieces are in their respective boxes, I can’t say the same for a few strays. I keep my sons’ artwork, but they’re not meticulously organized. And although I snap countless photos, I haven’t printed any in ages—let’s just say my baby is now 2 and there’s only one picture of him displayed at home! It’s not that I don’t want to create beautiful baby books or an organized pantry; it’s just that I have more urgent matters like laundry, dishes, and, oh yes, sleep.
Motherhood, in itself, is an extreme experience. Your body, mind, and relationships undergo profound changes, and the responsibility of nurturing a human being is daunting—it’s a lifelong commitment. So why impose strict guidelines on it? Why dedicate hours to crafting meals that resemble toys or drilling your child on language skills during their summer break? Instead, why not relish an extra bedtime story, enjoy birthday cake for breakfast, or lounge in pajamas all day? Moderation Motherhood is about granting yourself the freedom to ease up on expectations and, dare I say, genuinely enjoy parenting.
Being a parent is no small feat, but if you identify as a Moderation Mother, you’re doing a commendable job, and that’s what truly matters.
For more insights on navigating parenthood and related topics, check out this blog post. If you’re interested in at-home insemination, Make a Mom offers excellent resources. Additionally, for further information on fertility and pregnancy, Cleveland Clinic’s podcast is a valuable resource.
Summary
Moderation Motherhood embraces a balanced approach to parenting, encouraging parents to let go of rigid structures and enjoy the journey. It acknowledges the challenges of parenthood while promoting the idea that doing your best is more than enough.