Click here to read part 1 of my response.
In a recent article, Time Magazine has tried to (inaccurately) define and squelch my positive parenting choices, but the only
thing that has been achieved is further pushing apart some of the most important members of our society- mothers. Certainly this magazine has achieved its purpose; creating controversy and increasing sales. But it was done at the expense of mothers- both AP and not, both working and stay at home.
And the way the information was presented was inaccurate and gave a false view of what one particular parenting style looks like.
And now we will feel the ripples of this article for months and years to come. We will watch as talk show hosts ignorantly bash choices and we will see books published which support these ignorant views. And all the while it will make lots of us moms feel like we need to choose- which moms are we “with”?
Because every single time we are pitted against each other we feel like we need to choose. When really most of us do not want to. Most of us are open to hearing how another mother parents and gleaning practices that we think are good for our children. Most of our real life conversations are respectful and encouraging.
Time magazine provided us a tragic disservice and we are already seeing the effects. But from here it is up to us. Which ideas we will perpetuate and promote? Which conversations do we choose to be a part of, and from which we choose to refrain?
I believe that speaking positively and sharing the benefits and the stuff that we love can help to remedy this situation. And this is what I am committed to working toward. I will slip from time to time- it is hard not to. But my goal will be to share the realities of my own choices. And though these choices come with struggle, they are positive and make me and my family happy. And most people do not mind hearing about struggle or happiness. Not really.
Comments from you!