As parents and being human in general, it’s in our nature to judge others. I know I am guilty of it and I am sure you are too. I don’t always agree with the way other people parent their kids, BUT I would never insult them or criticize them over it. I am a firm believer in the saying “To each their own”. Different parenting styles work for different families and that’s what makes us all different.
Recently a fellow Blogger posted a picture on Facebook and the original photo got a lot of criticism from parents. Well I am here to tell you why I am a BAD mom, according to others.
1. My son is circumcised. – There is so much controversy over circumcision and I really don’t see anything wrong with it. If I had another son I would do it again. I think it’s each parents choice on if they want to do it or not and no one should bully them because they chose to do it or not.
2. My son lives with his dad in California. – When I found out my husband and I were moving to Colorado I talked to my son and his dad about how we would handle the situation. I asked my son where he wanted to be and he wanted to stay in Ca. I was ok with that because I didn’t feel right taking him away from all of his family. My family and his dads family are all in CA. If he was to come to Colorado the only people he would have is my husband and I. I didn’t think it was fair to take him away from everyone and everything he knew. I thought friends and family would be more supportive over our decision, but instead I have been met with nothing but criticism since moving. Even people I don’t know have made snide remarks or comments and family has called me a bad mother…
3. My toddler has no schedule. She generally goes to bed after 11pm and wakes up around 9-10am. This works for us since my husband gets off work late and she wants to see him when he gets home.
4. I laugh when my kids fall, unless they are seriously hurt. I’ve learned that freaking out if your kid falls only freaks the kid out more, so I laugh. 9 times out of 10 my kids will whine for a minute and then go about their business. I’ve been given dirty looks for telling my toddler to “walk it off” at the park…
5. I didn’t breastfeed my son & my daughter was combo fed. When I had my son I couldn’t make it past the sore, cracked, and bleeding nipples, so after a week I gave up breastfeeding and went with formula. When I had my daughter I pumped and bottle fed her for 5 months. There was some formula mixed in at times, but at around 5 months I stopped pumping and went to strictly formula.
6. I Spank my kids.
7. My kids eat fast food, fruit snacks, drink juice, and various other “bad” foods. Plus, I don’t always make a homemade deal. Sometimes it’s something boxed, frozen, or takeout.
8. I vaccinate and both kids have had all their shots, plus some flu shots.
9. My toddler watches TV as much as she wants and Nick Jr is always on, even if it’s just background noise.
10. My son went to daycare while I worked.
What makes you a “Bad” Parent?
*This post was meant to be sarcastic. I respect everyone’s parenting choices and think you should do what is best for YOUR family!
I agree
I know I am guilty of it
WOW..Then I guess I am a bad parent too… My biggest crime is I let my daughter move to Denver to live with my parents. You would not believe the horrible and hurtful things people I thought where friends have said to me. Ok maybe you do. I had to make a decision that was best for my daughter not what was best for me or their opinions. It was the single most difficult thing I have done. It shattered my heart into a thousand pieces watching her drive off. The only differences between you and me is the schedule thing- only because I needed my down time- which of course was very selfish of me and the daycare thing…only because I was a home daycare provider
I guess us bad Moms need to stick together!!! Keep on Keeping on Ms. Jamie! Much love to you and yours!
It’s so funny how people are quick to judge, but they have no idea what you are going through. I know how you feel 100%. Not having my son with me and several states away is so hard and painful, but I want him happy so it’s worth it. Down time? What’s that?? lol. I use to get some because I would put the 2 year old to bed around 8, but hubby coming home every night at 10pm she would wake up so finally I just decided to let her stay up. The only down time I get is IF she takes a nap that day… Thank you for your wonderful comment and for being a reader. Love & Happiness to your family as well!
I love this! NO PARENT IS PERFECT! However people are quick to judge others parenting styles..
I enjoyed reading this! every one needs to do their best no one is perfect!
Love, love, love this!
well…you bad mom, you! i raised 2 sons 24 and 19 and did most everything that you are doing and let me tell you….i might have been a bad mom, but they lived and prospered!! they are respectful, productive citizens and i wouldn’t go back and change a single thing! so…rock on with your bad self and raise your babies the “right” way….with all your love and the best of intentions….that’s the best way for a parent to raise their kids…you go girl!
i guess iam a bad parent too because i spank, vaccinate,didnt breastfeed eithier and if i had a chance to take my kids to a sitter i would. LOL
Shame on You, LOL. I raised two wonderful children. The oldest is now an awesome attorney working for the state and the youngest is a wonderful stay at home mom. I was criticized while raising them but I would not change a thing if I had to do it all over again. Now I have the pleasure of teaching the grandchildren but respect their parents way of bringing them up. I believe it’s all about whats best for the child. Enjoyed your article.
I have to say you and I are “bad mothers” for some of the same reasons… I will feed my kids fast food sometimes.. cereal even for dinner..lol I spank mine.. I find nothing wrong with it… there are more reasons….
I have read a lot of these lists since Life With Levi first posted hers. I really enjoy reading them and seeing all the way other moms are “bad mothers” just like myself.