My truth? I’m too busy thinking I’m busy.
I make mistakes daily, worrying if my child will be ok.
There are piles of laundry to be folded and piles of stinky clothes to be washed.
So in short I try not to. I say try because I may look at something for a bit and without fully grasping the entire situation wonder what in the world that mom is doing in that given moment. When that happens I stop myself. With a quick self-check I dismiss those judgmental thoughts because YOU and only you are qualified to parent your own children.
So let’s take it a step further shall we.
I read an article or maybe it was a podcast that said “not judging” moms was not enough. Once I was done with the article, it had me thinking of how I could take it a step further.
Then it hit me. Empathy. It is not hard to try and understand what another parent may be going through. You might say listen I am tired with my own life how can I possibly empathize with what another parent is going through.
Take a look at some areas of parenting that could use some help:
Planned or unplanned pregnancy
Racial or socio economical experiences
Different relationship styles / family structure
Different birthing experiences
Does not want to be a mother
Votes for someone you don’t like
Religious beliefs
Losses and fertility struggles
Different careers / stays at home
Medical choices
The list could go on and on. Our society, community, and homes are filled with broken mothers. Therefore let us commit to some empathy for everyone. If I empathize with someone I believe it will be harder for me to cast judgment. All the issues we face did not develop overnight, it takes time, and empathizing with everyone won’t just happen when I wake up tomorrow or in this instant.
Over the years moms have seen how harsh society has been towards them and how hard we have been on each other. Some communities have taken steps such as “anti mom shaming/judgment” but it is not enough. If it were, mothers would not feel unsupported.
