As I progress in my journey through motherhood, I've come to realize that every mom has a "thing" or two. What do I mean by "thing?" A soapbox. A cause. A topic of interest in the vast terrifying realm of parenting that we focus on. There are too many for us to do research and be a know-it-all about them all (but bless us we try), so typically moms will pick a handful that they really care about, and that becomes their thing. I'm going to list a few of the hot button issues that people make their mom "thing." (Note: this is not intended to make fun of anyone...these are ALL important even though not all of them are my "thing," per se.)
Here are some examples:
1. Car seat safety- Some parents hyper research car seats, have them installed by professionals (typically of the fireman variety), and then make it their God-given mission to tell everyone about car seat safety. And why shouldn't they? Kids are statistically more likely to die in a car accident than most other things, so why don't we care more about car safety? This type of parent is quick to let you know that you're letting your child ride in a death trap if the 5 point harness isn't adjusted to the armpits. They also scour the internet for all baby equipment recalls to make sure their stuff is up to code. These parents are also typically on the lookout for improper car seat use on a shopping cart. (Seriously guys, they can fall out.)
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| WHERE ARE THE STRAPS? |
2. Vaccines- Some people are pro-vax, some are anti-vax, some are pro-parental choice in conjunction with either side. People who get fired up about vaccines are ready to tell you how your child could die-- regardless of the choice you made for your kids. Just thank them and pretend to agree with whatever side they're on so they don't accuse you of wanting to murder your child.
3. Clean eating- In the United States, it's pretty well known that our eating habits (and lack of exercise) are getting us fat. Some people take it to the extreme by preaching about the benefits of organic/non-GMO/vegan/vegetarian/paleo lifestyles. I have researched some of this stuff myself, and I mostly just wish the government would outlaw junky food, but it's not happening here...because, 'merica.
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| Hold up. Is this watermelon organic? Did it come from a sustainable farming situation? |
4. Breastfeeding/Bottle feeding- Again, this is a nutrition issue we have in the United States, but also partially a maternity leave issue. A lot of women have a huge desire to breastfeed but when they have to go back to work after 8 weeks of maternity leave, it's tempting/easier/works better for some folks to switch to formula. On mommy blogs and Facebook posts, you will see all out WAR between breastfeeding advocates and bottle feeding advocates. Guys, we're all doing the best we can. Why don't we just ask our society for better leave options? (PS- Netflix is great. I hope more follow suit).
5. Whatever your kid's health issue is- Yep. I know. You've researched everything under the sun about <insert health issue here>. This is actually a default because anyone with a child with needs different from "the norm" would (hopefully) do this. My baby has an intolerance for eggs. You better hope eggs never come up in a conversation, because I will weave you a lovely tale involving projectile vomit.
6. Germs- You know the type. She carries hand sanitizer in the diaper bag, in the car, and has a backup in the trunk in case either runs out. Don't forget the handi-wipes, too! She wipes down the grocery cart before touching it or putting baby in. She also opens the bathroom door handle with the paper towel before throwing it away. I get it mama, you don't know who touched any of that. You don't have time to get sick and neither does your baby.
So there's just a few examples of mom "things." What did I miss? What's your "thing?"
Love,
Steph
