Just read this great post at Notes From the Trenches, and just had to throw in a big AMEN here on my site. Chris talks about how we’ve gone so far to protect our kids from the scrapes of childhood that we’ve taken the fun out of outdoor activities and it’s no wonder they just sit inside and want to play video games all day. She also talks about how we as parents feel compelled to justify every action we take that might be perceived the wrong way by another parent.

How I parent is not an indictment of your parenting. Nor is how you all parent an indictment of mine.
I wish more people would remember that.
We should get it printed on t-shirts.

Now obviously, we ought to protect our children’s lives. Things like helmets and sunscreen are a good idea. But judging each other because they’re not doing it the way we would is not. Before I had kids, I had all kinds of judgements about what parents were doing. In preparation for parenting, I was keeping a mental list going of things I would NEVER let my kids do. They included things like playing at a McDonalds Playland – doesn’t everyone know those places are germ ridden? LOL- yeah right. Now of course, I realize that you have to do what works for you and your child, and assume that other parents are doing the same.

Let’s all get in a circle and sing Kum Ba Ya now, k? Don’t forget to sway and wear your gold lame’ scarf.

Categories : Parenting Issues