So, the further along in my pregnancy that I get, the more and more I hear about the do's and don't's of parenting. Breastfeeding vs. Formula. Crib Sleeping vs. Co-Sleeping. Vaccinating vs. Natural Immunity. Spanking vs. ... well, just about any other form of punishment. Homeschooling vs. Public/Private School. The list goes on and on. The way I see it, you're damned if you do and damned if you don't... you're going to be judged anyway and people will treat you like you're not only a terrible parent, but a terrible person as a whole.
I have strong opinions about parenting just like any other soon-to-be mom does, and if someone asks my views about something I will gladly give them, but I have never gone out of my way to make someone feel like they're raising their children the "wrong" way. I've tried very hard to maintain a to each their own attitude. When did everyone start assuming that a parent doesn't have their child's best interest in mind?! Kaydence won't be here for another four months, but all of this is giving me anxiety.
I've already caught a lot of flak for certain things I plan to do. One example being the fact that I want to try an all-natural birth. No epidural, no meds at all. I get looked at like I have three heads and the typical response is "Good luck with that!". Since when is it so unbelievable that a woman wants to get the full experience of childbirth? Also, notice how I said I want to TRY. I'm not sitting here saying that I won't change my mind when contractions get really bad. The epidural will be on hand in case I do so. But I honestly feel that I can do it. I'm not downplaying the pain because obviously I've never experienced it, but the pain is temporary. I have nothing against women who plan on medication from the second they find out they're pregnant, so why do I get treated like I'm insane? It's frustrating.
On a similar note however, I'm guilty of being the person that sees a defiant toddler pitching a fit or an out of control kid back-talking and says "I'd never let my child act that way." or shaking my head in disapproval. I'm going on the record to say how wrong I am for doing that. I have no idea how my daughter will be... I can't say what I will or won't do until it happens. I DO know that I will show her love and teach her respect and do things the way I see fit for her well-being and my own.
All of this to say, I'm doing my best to brush off the harsh comments and the judgments from other parents. Even when things are said in a well-meaning manner, doesn't mean that they're kind or helpful. If I'm raising my children to be people who love the Lord and always stand on their morals and values, then I'm doing my job. Who cares if I put their tiny butts in disposable or cloth diapers?! Sigh...
If you've gotten to this point, thanks for sticking it out. I just really needed to get it off my chest! Now go kiss your kids and raise them how YOU want to raise them, and I'll do the same with my sweet girl when she gets here :)
~Kirsten
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
--Hebrews 11:1
