I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Johnson’s Baby. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.
Motherhood is probably one of my biggest accomplishments but it’s undoubtedly my most exhausting job. I’m constantly being questioned from others about the choices I make as a mother. Whether or not I swaddled, what formula I used, whether I washed my girl’s clothes before she wore them {I choose to but my family doesn’t understand the need}, and most recently because I don’t let my daughter play on the steps by herself {She’s not physically capable of coming down them in any way without falling so I let her go up them when I’m behind her but that’s it. We practice going down them but I’m not going to let her play on them alone. I let her fall and make mistakes but not when it could involve her breaking her neck. I don’t apologize for that! Sorry for the rant, can you tell it bothers me when people insert their unwanted comments?} With all the critical comments from others it’s probably hard to believe that I’m my biggest critic but it’s true. I worry about her fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social development, potty training!, the variety of food she eats, that I’m training her properly, and the list goes on and on. My mind is constantly a jumble of things to do and check up on.
Occasionally another mom will look at me and give me an encouraging look. It’s as if, without words she’s saying, “I’ve been there. It’s okay, you’ll make it through this.” I’ve had a few moms I know give me incredible words of encouragement that have lifted my spirits far above what words could describe.
While I’m only a few years into this motherhood journey I want to be like those mother’s who have encouraged me. I want to make a conscious effort to go out of my way to encourage new mothers. To tell them that they are wonderful and are fabulous mommies. To tell them they look beautiful on days when they look a little disheveled.
I was excited to recently discover that Johnson’s has a great new promotion, it’s called Johnson’s Baby “Care Cards.” It’s an easy way to share encouraging messages to moms no matter where they live. Every mom has questioned whether they’re doing a good job or not {at least, I hope I’m not the only one!} and it’s important to tell them that they’re doing a good job.
You can join Johnson’s Baby “Care Cards” by creating and sending a digital Care Card to send to a special mom in your life on Facebook. You can send a card to your mom, grandmother, fellow moms, new moms, and well, any mom! Here’s the icing on the cake, for every card sent, liked, or shared Johnson’s Baby will donate $1 to Save the Chiildren, up to $150,000, to benefit early childhood education. Isn’t that great? They’re close to $100,000 now so there is still $50,000 left to raise. Get sharing! This is a great way to encourage someone you care about while also supporting those in need. Through Johnson’s support of Save the Children’s Early Steps to School Success program, they are helping to provide moms with the skills and knowledge to successfully support their child’s growth from pregnancy until school age.
To every single mom who is reading this, please know that you are enough. You are a great mom! As Mr. Fred Rogers said, “You are special just the way you are!” Don’t let other people’s comments ever get you down. They haven’t been where you are. Some days are longer than others but on those days try to keep the big picture in mind and remember that one day you’ll look back and wish you could relive these days.
Happy Belated Mother’s Day!!!
About Ashley
What a sweet idea! Since I was such a young mom, I felt very isolated…. I can see this being a very positive thing. Well done Johnsons.
this is a great thing, show that all moms are special 🙂
Exactly…because they are!
I think it sounds like you are doing all the right things. It’s important to keep our kids safe but just as important to let them fall sometimes too even though it might be hard for them and us as moms. These cards are a great idea and I love Johnson’s Baby is donating to such a great cause in such a positive and wonderful way!
Yes, my little girl has fallen many times and even busted her tooth through her chin and she’s not even two yet! Safety vs freedom/learning – It’s a balance, as with all things in life.
You know what? I don’t even have kids and it drives me NUTS when I hear people criticize other parents. Every family is so different and we have no idea what other people are dealing with or what works for them. My philosophy is that if someone wants my advice, they will ask me – otherwise, keep my mouth shut!
Well said. We don’t know what others are dealing with. I love that reminder!
I love that, we really are “enough”!
we are all enough !! we are doing the BEST WE CAN!!
🙂 Yes, the best we can, precisely.
Ashley, you know what I think you should do…. Just Kidding! That always drove me nuts when the kids were younger and people criticized the choices I made. Love that message. We are enough!
Haha, Pam! When I started reading your comment I took a deep breath, continued reading, and then I burst out laughing. Thanks for making me smile! 🙂
It is tough being a mom because you care so much about your children. I’m sensitive to criticism.
Yes, exactly! It only hurts when you care and want what’s best for them. I guess that’s a good way to look at it!
Ugh… this is one more reason why I hesitate with reproducing at all! I would not take the criticism and unsolicited advice well!!!
Oh, I don’t mean to discourage you!
I love your spirit of encouragement and clearly that’s echoed in this card campaign. Yay J&J!
Thank you! 🙂
What a great way to support moms 😉 I agree…unsolicited advice can be hurtful!
this is a great form of support system for moms!
I agree! So sweet and simple.
I love this and I guess that’s what I love about blogging. The community that surrounds and supports us!