Mommy Wars

So, here's my little rant for the night; Mommy Wars.

Have you heard of them? Not too long ago, I had no idea what a Mommy war was. But I now fully understand. If you don't know, I'll explain.

A Mommy War, is the continual arguing, bickering, and fighting that goes on on a regular basis between mommies on all websites and in person. These arguments include, but are not limited to; breast vs. bottle, crib vs. co sleeping, car seats, strollers, daycare, working mom, medications, vaccines, circumcision, cloth diapering, cry it out, baby-wearing, child lead weaning, and so much more. No longer do you just have to answer to your crazy family for parenting decisions, but you are now scrutinized by your fellow woman on the internet.

And we, the women, indulge in this. Whether it is our intentions to or not, we take the bait, we fight back and we create the drama. I myself have been a part of this stupidity, and for what? For absolutely nothing. All it creates is an aggravation deep within myself and then I complain to Chase about it and he usually responds with a "humm" or "yeah" (he's so deeply interested haha).

I hate the mommy wars, but I understand them. Every woman wants to defend their position. I totally get it. I breastfed, and I think it's just the greatest thing since sliced bread, I think everyone should do it, and overall I think that most of the people who don't do it, do it out of laziness. But if you make the active decision to formula feed, by all means defend it. I'm sure you have your reasons, and if it works for you, and for

Our son is circumcised. We felt that it was the best decision. Am I a heartless mommy for it? I felt like it at the time, but two years later, I can assure you, my Adam isn't missing that little flap of skin. However, if you made the decision to leave your son intact, then by all means, stick by it, stand up for it.

You know, even here and now, I was getting totally off base. You see, it's hard to not get sucked into these things. It's so hard to not get brought down by them. The mommy wars they aggravate you, and just pull you in from there.

The point my friends is that no matter what your parenting decisions are.. Yes, stand up for them. But don't do it in a way that is demeaning to others. You may state your opinion; example "Co-sleeping worked well for my son and I from day one. I felt much safer knowing that I could listen to him breathing. However I understand that co-sleeping is not for everyone. And it is important for those who do practice co-sleeping to do it in a manner which is safe for the child.". As adults we should be able to share our feelings, share advice and just share what worked for us. Because face it ladies, at this point, what do we have left to talk about other than our kids? But we don't have to indulge in the bashing of others parenting styles.

There is no reason to feel threatened by other's for the decisions we make, because we all make different ones. There is no right or wrong answer to how to raise a child. They don't come with an instruction manual, or a list of do's and don'ts. When you leave that hospital, you're on your own.

Every decision you make, no matter how small has an impact on your child. So join with me and make one that will have a good impact. Choose to not indulge in the Mommy Wars. You prove you stand up for your beliefs by believing in them. There is no need to convert every mommy to the ways of "all natural parenting" (whatever that is)

When it comes to Mommy wars.. Just say no! =)