If you’ve watched the news lately or read many blogs you’ll see the latest version of “Mommy Wars.” The breastfeeding controversy is back and in full swing. I would link to the article for you all to see it but honestly, I don’t want to give them any added publicity and “link juice” because that is just what they want. “Mommy Wars” include the Stay-at-Home vs. Working Mom debate, the Cloth Diapers vs. Disposable Diaper debate, and the list goes on and on. The most recent article {the one that I won’t link to} is a Time magazine write up and photo of a preschooler breastfeeding. This was surely published to incite a strong reaction from moms and reignite yet another “war.”
There is NO winner in the game of “Mommy Wars.” This is a game that magazines, newspapers and websites are playing to up their readership. These articles don’t cover the facts but are written to divide mothers. Time after time mothers buy into it and I’ve been guilty before but I’m over it. I don’t care if you breastfed your kid until they can walk, or if you’ve fed them Similac from day one. I don’t care if you you home-school or if your kids go to a Christian, private or public school. I don’t care if you give baby massages, use a leash for your kid at an amusement park, circumcise your son, make homemade baby food or bathe your baby twice a day or once a week. Do you baby-wear? Does your baby eat everything organic? Do you use cloth diapers? I don’t care. I don’t. I’m not trying to be rude but whatever works for you {and is safe for your kid} is wonderful. Of course I have my opinions but not everyone has to believe the way that I do.
Articles, such as this TIME article, prey on the already existing feelings of inadequacy and mommy guilt. These manufactured “wars” are predictable because they stir up strong emotions from women who feel judged, as well as mothers who want to feel superior for their choices. You know the ones. The ones who post such proud statuses on Facebook that your mouth drops open while reading them. Heated discussion and outrage usually follows. WHY? Why do women tear each other down? Women beat each other up while the person or business responsible for starting this battle reaps the benefit {website traffic, talk show debate, etc}. I hate that women are second guessing their parenting choices because of such games. Women are insecure and should band together to help one another. If you don’t have a strong support group now I encourage you to find one. Join a local church, MOPS group, or mommy play group.
I’ll be honest, I’m constantly evaluating myself and my parenting. I want to do what’s best for my family and be the best mom I can be. When I first found out I was pregnant I started reading parenting books and I haven’t stopped since. I want to be educated and make the best decisions I can. I don’t want to look down on other’s for their parenting habits. Of course, I think the way I diaper, set a sleep schedule, and feed my baby is best for me because if I didn’t think it was I wouldn’t do it. Who am I to tell you what you should do with your child? I don’t know your situation and what’s best for you. I’ll be glad to share my opinion if you ask and in the future I may share some advice on here about what’s worked for me but I never want to belittle others because they do things differently than me.
As for the cover of TIME magazine, the answer to the question “ARE YOU MOM ENOUGH?” Yes! Whatever that means, yes.
You are mom enough to avoid belittling others.
You are mom enough to build up others.
You are mom enough to love and care for your kids.
You are mom enough to encourage new moms.
You are mom enough to educate yourself and make wise decisions for your family.
YOU ARE MOM ENOUGH!
Related TIME magazine posts across the blogosphere:
Rage Against the Minivan–Where is the mommy-war for the motherless child? {I highly recommend this article!}
5 Minutes For Mom–FACT: Mommy Wars Do Not Exist
Babble–It’s TIME To Stop Fighting The Mommy Wars.
Mocha Momma–I am mom enough.
What are your thoughts? Please feel free to share them in the comments. If you’re a blogger, did you write a response to the Time Magazine controversy? If so please add your links in the comments.
