They'll tell you what to put it your diaper bag. What NOT to put in your diaper bag. The optimum speed to drive for kids to sleep in the car. The perfect age for potty training. The best time to start play dates. The minimum and maximum time limits for sleep, reading, TV, and learning.
How long meals should last. How to effectively use time-out. How to decorate dinner to make it look like a clown face. How to make your own Halloween costume and host a neighborhood costume party for 300+ people.
Then there are humans with their advices. "You're so smart for bringing toys to the sandbox." "Oooo, you should have brought more water." "Oh, you let your kids pick their own outfits?" "If he were my kid I wouldn't let him use markers yet." "Trust me, counting to 3 never works." "Your kids are so well behaved." "Church is really hard with little ones, you are so brave." "You can let him play with your iPhone, you know." "You need to read more to them." "They should be outside more." "You need to spend more time teaching." "Take more time for yourself." "You're playing with them too much. Make them play alone." "You should put his shoes on him if he's going to play outside."
I don't know if it's because I'm young. (Not that young peeps.) Or because I look like I need advice on rearing children minute by minute. Or if people just know I'm polite and am good at making them feel good about themselves at the cost of my own feelings being hurt. But this is alllllll the time. And I just want to say, "It's my OWN backyard! I know where all the broken glass and used needles are! He doesn't need shoes! Lee-me-alone!"
Ugh.
*sigh*
I've had enough of it.
My kids are well-loved. They feel love all day and all night. They like being close to me. They like being held and snuggled. Kole will pick 15 books, snuggle on my lap, and not move until all 15 are read. Joey smiles every time we make eye contact. He rubs his head against my leg like a little puppy when he wants picked up. I know when their cries means hungry, tired, there's been an injustice, or finger stuck in drawer, respond quickly. I know that Koley needs physical touch, lots of hugs and smooches, and chuggy chuggies and cuddles to feel loved. I know Joey needs one on one play time to feel loved. Well, ha, that and applause. He's such a lime-light lover.
And you know what I just figured out?
Kole and Joey love me. That's why they are always smiling at me and laughing at me when I fall off of my chair on purpose. That's why they want to be as close to me as they can be. That's why they are always handing me things... trains, trucks, things they broke, garbage they found, crusty old food pieces. They are sharing with me because they love me. They copy my dance moves out of love. Kole corrects me when I call a backhoe an excavator because he loves me.
That's what matters.
I don't care what your opinion is of how I raise my children. I'll listen to it because you'll say it loudly and to my face (and because I am a moral giant). But it's not going to sink in.
My boys love me.
They think I am the best Mom ever.
And they are what matters to me.
8 comments:
You really are a true mother. Way to go Patty. Be proud and stand proud for those who can't.
Patty, you have always been an example of motherhood to follow for me. Your boys are a delight. Intelligent, polite, funny, gracias, and contagiously happy. They love you. I love you.
you've realized the most important truth of all - they love you and you love them - forget about everything else and keep doing what you're doing
That's exactly right! No one has all the answers for parenting! We need to love our kids and do what we feel is right when it comes to parenting. No two kids are alike...thus, parenting is different for everyone! The most important thing is that they feel loved by YOU and that you are doing your best to raise them! Keep up the great work! And yes, they love you too!
Amen, sistah. I hate when people impose their judgements on me as a mother. That has happened to me A LOT. And, as you know, I'm my own worst critic. Don't need any more critics in my life. I think you are doing a really bang-up job of raising those boys. You are like your mom was - amazing.
well said.
*claps*
Yes! Well said! At the time of my daughter's birth she was the first and only grandchild on both sides of the family....needless to say I got a lot of unsolicited advice. So much so that my Husband and I took our daughter on a trip to Florida when she was only 9 months old! While everyone "advised" us against it we still went and had the GREATEST time! It was the first time since her birth that we were completely away from family opinions. Loved your post...keep doing what you are doing...sounds like you are a great Mom!
Blessings, Joanne
You are such a good writer! I have been experiencing this same type of pressure and stress and I've had enough. When people say to me, boy, you have your hands full, when they see me struggling in and out of the car with 2 kids. I have no idea if they mean that like yay your hands are full of lots of love, or that my girls are big burdens. Who knows. I usually just say, yep I love it! People think their opinions are what matters most and that my face just begs for advice? Who knows. But you''re right. I love them. and they love me. We get along just fine without the unwanted advice and criticism from others!
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