Judgment Free Zone

Have you ever felt judged for your parenting choices?  I know I have... My husband says I shouldn't care so much what people think, and he's right to a certain extent, but its easier said than done... have you ever made a judgment on someone's parenting choice?  (I'll admit it...not proud, but I have...)  There are enough pressures on us as parents; its one of the hardest jobs that will ever do... why do we put more pressure on one and other?  For me breastfeeding was a huge source of angst...I had issues with both kids with supply...I tried all the teas, and supplements, and painful power-pumping, and still needed to supplement with formula... as if I wasn't feeling bad enough, I always felt a little judged and inadequate when giving my sons a bottle of formula...I know others who feel awkward doing the opposite and nursing in public, or feel judged for co-sleeping or not co-sleeping, or working full-time or staying home.... its crazy I tell ya!! For the most part we're all just doing the best we can and doing what works best or our family and our situation...there are so many decisions we have to make in our parenting career, and we already have to deal with second guessing ourselves and "mommy guilt" lets just embrace each other's choices shall we??  I know many times we're excited by our parenting choices or tactic that worked for us, and sometimes in that its easy to get caught up in that and push that on other people (I know I've found myself doing that)..but I'm trying hard to leave it at helpful suggestions and be judgment free...:-)  Here are some wonderful pieces that were a great reminder of this for me...

This piece by Lynn Shattuck (a Maine mom) is fantastic.  She does a great job at articulating how even our own views might change in our parenting journey and a great reminder that while we keep our values close to our heart, we all do what's best for our family (and ourselves).  I love how she brings light to the fact that we have to be our best selves to be the best parent...so true!!!

This post is from Her Scoop...a plea to stop the "Mommy Wars" and shows a great campaign done by Connecticut Working Moms...check it out!

Thanks for listening!

Have a great day!

Rebecca