What I Don't Care About

I apologize in advance for this post. It is much preachier than I usually like to get on this blog, but it is something that has been on my mind. Becoming a parent is an interesting thing. I always anticipated that it would be life altering and perspective changing, and it certainly has been. Schedules, habits and priorities shift to fit your new life situation. There have been a few other, slightly unexpected consequences. Other parents suddenly welcome you into their confidence, as if your choice to procreate grants you access into an exclusive club. Within this club the sharing of very personal information is both encouraged and expected. Most of the members are very friendly and helpful. However, as with anything on which there is a difference of opinions, there is also some pressure and judgment to be contended with. Some tend to think that their way of parenting is the right way; that what was best for their child should be best for yours. I have never taken this type of judgment and unsolicited advice seriously, but I have known many who have convinced themselves that they are less of a parent because they do not measure up to someone else's ideals. With the emotional nature of parenting rooted in a deep desire to do what is best for your child, it is not hard to understand why so many are so quick to second guess their own actions in the face of ridicule. So in response to all of the judgment, harsh comments, and unintentionally cutting remarks that I have heard, I just want to say to everyone who is a parent or who may ever choose to become one:

I DON'T CARE
If you breast feed or formula feed
If you use cloth diapers or disposables
If you swaddle or not
If your child sleeps in a crib, a bassinet, or your bed
If you start solids at 4 months or at 6
If you give your child a pacifier or not
If you potty train at 1 or 3
If you wean from the bottle at 9 months or 2 years
If you dress your child in new or used clothing
If you rock your child to sleep or if they self sooth

I DO care that you love and take care of your child. That you do what you feel is best for your family, your child and you. I have my own opinions, and they may be very different from yours, but every person is different and there is no one-size-fits-all for raising or defining a family.

Thanks for letting me indulge in this rant. I promise not to turn this blog into my own personal soap box.