‘They ‘must not enjoy their kids’ if they want to be away from them. We call them ‘attention seeking’ or ‘self-centered.’: Mother urges for ‘less jealously, more camaraderie’

“Why is it we shame moms who work? Exclaiming they ‘must not enjoy their kids’ if they want to be away from them. Why is it we shame moms who don’t work? Remarking they are ‘lazy’ and ‘unmotivated.’

Why is it we shame moms who are honest about their parenting struggles? We call them ‘attention seeking,’ ‘over-sharers,’ and deem they are either a self-centered ‘beotch’ or depressed. 

Why is it we shame moms who are perpetually perky and positive? As if aiming always to see the glass half full could really ever be such a bad thing.  

Why is it we shame moms who are extroverts? Avowing their insatiable need and desire to socialize is selfish and irresponsible. 

Why is it we shame moms who are introverts? Believing every self-decided introvert is unhappy and riding on a carousel of melancholy-ness. 

Why is it we shame any mom? We shouldn’t. Ever. We shouldn’t shame. We shouldn’t judge. 

We shouldn’t think we know any more about anyone than we do. And with what we do know about each other, we should always see the good and remind each other of it, ’cause Lord knows it’s easy to forget not a single one of us ever deserves to feel ‘less than.’

What we do deserve, though, is general human decency, a plethora of grace, and encouragement and support. 

Less condemnation and more adoration. 

Less belittling and more believing in. 

Less jealousy and more camaraderie. We’re equally imperfect humans raising pint-sized, mid-sized, or grown-up imperfect humans,  and we’re trying our d*mnedest to do a good job, or at minimum, not eff it up.  

You know, when we moms champion each other, we all win, and it feels pretty darn inspiring and amazing.“

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Nicole Merritt of Jthreenme, where the post originally appeared. You can follow her on Facebook, her website, or podcast. Submit your own story here. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories, and YouTube for our best videos.

Read more stories from Nicole:

‘To all the men with daughters, you need to love your WIFE as you want your DAUGHTER to be loved.’

‘My thighs touch. No matter what, they stick together like glue. I never wear shorts, not even in hot as heck Florida.’: Mom urges self-love, ‘These imperfections are the least interesting thing about me’

‘I feel like I’m pissing off a lot of people. I break my back, good mood, and spirit in pursuit of the best me. Don’t mock.’: Mom struggling with best decisions asks for understanding, ‘You have no idea’

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