Sometimes we just need to hear this, so I’m going to say it! Your parenting choices are OK!
In parenting there are a million choices we make every day and in every stage. Each choice is made for a reason and to accommodate your child. You may make choices for one child that you don’t make for another, and it’s OK!! It’s also ok to smile and nod and ignore the advice when well-meaning relatives tell you otherwise.
Parenting can get overwhelming. One of my friends has a saying I LOVE: “I’ve never done this before!” She has SIX kids! But each child and each stage is different and I love that reminder.
So, it’s ok if you’ve chosen to have your baby sleep in your bed with you, in the bassinette next to you, or in their crib in their room. It’s ok if you choose to wear your baby or lay them in a rocker or swing or on the floor. It’s ok if you feed your baby food from a jar you bought at the store or make it yourself.
It’s ok if your toddler sleeps in a “big kid bed,” a crib, or a mattress on your floor. It’s ok if you choose preschool or home school. It’s ok if you go to a park every other day, an activity class once a week, or if you prefer to stay home.
It’s OK!!
With so much pressure and so many choices, parenting can be overwhelming. Just pick one topic and start an Internet search to see what I mean. Actually, don’t jump down that rabbit hole, unless you absolutely have to!
One of the great parts of parenting is the incredible new network of people you suddenly become a part of when you have a little one. It doesn’t take long before you meet people at a park, at your church, at that class your child is trying out, or even while shopping in the baby section! I love to ask my friends what they’re choosing for their children, but remember, your child is yours and you are the best parent for them! You’re their advocate and the person who loves them and knows them best. So if there’s something you’re doing and it’s working for you and your child, do it!!
Sometimes in parenting it’s good to step back and look at the big picture. Your child will survive. They will not be scarred for life by your choice in strollers; actually, they probably won’t even remember most of the choices you’ve pored over!
Focus on the end goal: to raise good adults, to create a good family life, to nurture a healthy life. Focus on the things you’ll be happy you chose five years from now, and 25 years from now.
Our parents didn’t have most of the tools, gadgets, and devices we have now and we’re alive! And our kids will probably have entirely different things when they’re raising our grandkids!
So enjoy these times; try to find the big picture, especially when you’re on hour six of researching the best swing for your baby (which they won’t even spend 10 minutes in…ahem…not that I did this!). You’ve got this, Mama! You’re AWESOME. And while you’re at it, let your friends know they’re AWESOME, too!
