I like to think of myself as a hopeful person. I inherently believe that most individuals have good intentions, and that the world is filled with beauty. Some might label me as an overly optimistic dreamer, and maybe there’s some truth to that. Nonetheless, I refuse to subscribe to the belief that “people are terrible.”
To avoid adopting that negative mindset, I made a conscious choice earlier this year to embrace a carefree attitude, focusing less on the judgments of others, especially those of strangers. However, this has become increasingly challenging.
You don’t need me to reiterate that the world seems a bit chaotic lately. A glance at the internet, news headlines, or talk show discussions might lead you to believe that our nation—and perhaps the globe—is spiraling into chaos. With self-serving politicians, divisive critics, and spiteful internet trolls, it’s hard to maintain my happy little bubble.
Every election year brings its own brand of madness, yet this year feels particularly surreal. We have a candidate with a questionable hairstyle running for the highest office, politicians prioritizing their funding from the NRA over saving lives, and communities fixating on bathroom usage instead of serious issues. #theworldisinsanity
Adding to the frustration, when we mothers attempt to discuss the chaos, we often face backlash. We’re frequently told to stick to “mom issues.”
Excuse me, WHAT?! What does that even mean?
I’ve come across comments urging mothers to stay silent or asserting that a mother’s platform should not delve into political matters. I’ve read criticisms for not confining our conversations to “parenting topics” and for daring to address “political matters.” I’ve even heard people say mothers shouldn’t champion their perspectives.
Well, guess what? Enough of that.
Yes, I am a mother, but here’s a little reminder: I have strong opinions—just like every other mother I know. We think about and feel passionately about issues beyond diaper changes and school pick-ups. We didn’t stop thinking critically when we became parents, and it’s downright misogynistic to think we shouldn’t express our views.
Moms are intelligent, competent, and powerful. We manage households and businesses alike. We organize PTA meetings and board discussions. We handle budgets—both at home and in corporate settings. With degrees spanning from MBAs to PhDs, we are filled with knowledge and experiences that shape our views. We deserve to discuss topics that matter, not just the latest parenting trends.
I’m not suggesting we all need to agree. Healthy debate is valuable, and differing opinions can foster growth. But if your response to differing views is simply to silence us, then you can expect my nonverbal middle finger in return.
Not interested in reading about gun control or parental rights? That’s fine! If you disagree with my stance on family leave or reproductive rights, I’m open to hearing your thoughts. But if your only response is to tell us to hush, that’s shameful. When mothers are told to only focus on “mom issues,” we undermine the progress made by generations of women who fought for their voices to be heard.
Dismissing mothers is not only sexist and belittling, especially when the silence comes from fellow moms, but it is also shortsighted. These aren’t just political debates; they are fundamental parenting issues.
People often say not to mix politics with polite conversation. But if we can chat about topics like breastfeeding and diaper rashes, we should certainly be able to discuss contraceptive rights, education reform, and the safety of our children in schools. If the question of whether our kids could be safe in their first-grade classroom isn’t a parenting concern, then I don’t know what is.
These issues transcend party lines; they are family matters. We should be discussing them at playdates and poolside chats. We should be informed and engaged, and we should vote! Our children will be the next generation of leaders, and it’s essential for us to care about their future.
Being a mother carries both privilege and responsibility. We have the honor of nurturing future generations, and with that honor comes the duty to advocate for a world that is safe and equitable for our children.
I refuse to look my kids in the eye one day and apologize for not speaking up—because I was too busy discussing diapers and playgroups. Our kids are worth far more than that, and so are our voices.
So, I’ll keep discussing critical issues like gun control, paid family leave, and reproductive rights. These aren’t merely political topics; they are parenting responsibilities—and we need to continue these conversations.
And if you don’t appreciate it? Well, I honestly don’t care.
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