Please join me in affirming the following principles:
- I will embrace humor in all aspects of motherhood, knowing that without it, I risk becoming overwhelmed or, at the very least, unhappy.
- I will refrain from judging the mother in the supermarket who, in a moment of desperation, offers her crying toddler a packet of candy. It’s simply her way of coping.
- I will not engage in comparisons with the mother who seems to effortlessly whip up homemade treats, crafts stunning costumes from scrap materials, or prepares her own baby food. Motherhood is not a race; the only ones who truly lose are those who rush ahead.
- I will direct looks of understanding towards the parents of the wailing infant on the airplane, instead of annoyance. I am fortunate enough to leave my child behind upon reaching our destination; they, however, are not.
- I will never inquire if a woman is expecting. That is a question better left unasked.
- I will not judge the mother who is still in the same yoga pants and t-shirt she wore yesterday. There are valid reasons for that choice.
- I will acknowledge that I know nothing about any child except my own, who is still an enigma to me.
- I will gladly hold the newborns of friends and family, allowing them the time to shower and rest—what every new mother truly desires.
- I will strive to avoid passing on my own body image issues to my daughter. She deserves a mother who embraces and respects herself, flaws included.
- I will resist the urge to advocate for breastfeeding, circumcision, homeschooling, organic diets, co-sleeping, or letting babies cry it out, unless a fellow mother seeks my input. It is not my place to impose my beliefs.
- I will do my utmost to avoid saying “never,” because I may just find myself with a rambunctious, water gun-wielding toddler of my own.
- I will remember that no mother is flawless, and my children will flourish, both because of and sometimes despite me.
– Reflections of a Modern Mother by Clara Thompson
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In summary, this manifesto emphasizes the importance of empathy, humor, and self-acceptance in motherhood. It encourages a collaborative rather than competitive spirit among mothers and acknowledges the unique challenges each woman faces in her parenting journey.