When it comes to core values, I think us mamas (and papas) are all a lot more alike than we are different. We all tend to focus on the big things – family, finances, health, and safety. And in that way, we can all commiserate and relate to one another. However, no matter how much we crave that camaraderie of other parents…it’s so easy to fall into the competitive mommy mentality. Sizing up how the other mothers dress their little ones, sizing up how they dress themselves, comparing your parenting style to someone else’s, and comparing your family car to someone else’s are all very easy things to get caught up in. However, while it’s natural to want to “measure up”…no good can come from comparing your family, parenting philosophy, or lifestyle to another mom’s.
Advice and inspiration…those can be wonderful things.
Competition and judgment on the other hand can be unhealthy. Haven’t we all heard stories of folks who seemingly have it all but are, in fact, struggling? I know a family that wants for nothing when it comes to finances and material goods…but the wife has been plagued with reproductive issues and I know for a fact they’d give up their easy, coveted lifestyle in two seconds if it meant they could have a child.
I think what it comes down to is remembering how important it is to be thankful for what we have…and look to other mommies for support and friendship and not see them as the enemy. Just because another mom is fabulously different doesn’t make her better. Many things factor into who we are as individuals and as parents. There is no way that we can all be expected to do things the same way…and thank goodness for that. It’s our differences that make us interesting! So I stand behind the title of this article, and say Not all moms are created equal – and isn’t that wonderful?!
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