—
This one is for the parent shamers.
A parent shammer is typically a person who is further along in the process of parenting. They often think they have a right to tell you how to be a parent. And worse, they have the nerve to point out how they think you’re failing.
What the heck is wrong with people?
I see shamers who giggle or purse their lips together as they watch you struggle with your toddler in the middle of a meltdown at Target. The worst offenders, the people in your family who even have the nerve to say something to your child. Sometimes I think it’s a generational thing or, a superiority complex.
Now, if you’re a parent and a shamer, you’ve already had your turn at parenting. Just because you think your parenting was perfect doesn’t mean that what you did would work with another child or in that family. You do not have the right to look down your nose at other women stumbling down their own path of raising children. Just as you had to make mistakes and learn from them, so to, do the rest of us.
Also, do you know that child? Parents know their children better than gawking strangers do, and better than family members not living in the home. We all know that children are fantastic at being cute little angels when they’re at another’s home.
Parent shamers, you should spend less time shaming and more time lifting those other parents up. Instead, buy that parent a coffee, and resist the urge to parent another person’s child.
All that matters is that you allow people to raise their children as they see fit. Because, in the end, if you’re not busy helping a fellow parent, you’re more likely hurting them.
—
What’s your take on what you just read? Comment below or write a response and submit to us your own point of view or reaction here at the red box, below, which links to our submissions portal.
◊♦◊
Sign up for our Writing Prompts email to receive writing inspiration in your inbox twice per week.
—
Photo by Derek Thomson on Unsplash