Why does everything have to be a competition?
(Warning... If I seem ranty, I don't mean to, I'm just passionate about this. It comes from a good place, so please stick with it! Also, there is a tasteful picture of me breastfeeding in this blog, just in case you don't like that kind of thing.)
I (personally) get so tired of seeing posts all over social media that appear to be 'competing' over the best method of parenting. Depending on which side of the fence you sit on the topic in question; you can read an article and be left feeling great, or like you're failing. That seems unnecessary to me.
Someone once told me that the strongest people are the ones who are found building others up, not knocking people down. I wish we could all adopt this approach instead of trying to be 'better' than someone else? Parenting is hard. Fact. There are a lot of decisions to be made, and you as a parent, make the choice that is right for your family.
 |
| Taking a moment out to feed Poppy at the wedding :) |
One of my closest friends had a baby not too long after me, and she knew before her beautiful girl was born that she wanted to formula feed, and she does. Good for her for being so strong and sticking to her guns; it's what works for her little family. BUT... She was made to feel like rubbish by midwives because of her choice, and I know some posts on social media have caused ill feeling for her too. Someone please tell me how this is fair, and why it's at all necessary??
That's not to say that it doesn't go the other way too. Some people say that seeing people breastfeeding makes them feel like they missed out on something. OK, I get that, but equally, the picture of your husband bottle feeding your baby makes me feel the same, but we don't need to be unkind to each other about it. I don't mean to make anyone feel bad, I just want to capture those close moments with my daughter, and share them with the people I love. There's no malice intended whatsoever.
I'm lucky. I've said it before, and I'm sure I'll say it again. I have an amazing family and a group of friends who have been nothing but supportive through every decision we've made with regards to parenting. From co-sleeping to baby wearing, to putting Poppy with a child-minder at 9 months old so I could go back to work. And for their support, I am forever grateful!
I guess what I don't understand is why we feel the need to pick at each others choices, why can't we just appreciate the beautiful moments being shared and be happy for each other? Why does it need to be a competition? I think that no method trumps the other, and as long as our babies grow up happy and healthy, isn't that the only thing that matters?
Maybe I seem like a bit of a hippie, wanting everyone to get along and be positive, but maybe it only takes one positive outlook to start a ripple. What if we all had a positive and supportive attitude? Imagine the difference.
Xx
