Embracing motherhood can feel like navigating a bustling high school cafeteria. You’ve got the “put-together” moms who always look flawless at their own table, while the breastfeeding moms and formula-feeding moms gather in their respective corners. Sleep trainers share tips over lunch, while co-sleepers relish their solitude. Meanwhile, some parents who practice attachment parenting tend to keep to themselves with their little ones. And all the while, there’s a collective anticipation for a new mom to fumble her tray, prompting whispers and eye rolls.
This portrayal, perpetuated by the so-called Mommy Wars, simplifies the complexities of motherhood and reduces us to petty schoolgirl rivalries. The truth is, we’re all in this together, and many of us can’t even remember the last time we enjoyed a warm meal. In fact, when we find a moment to speak, we’re more likely to offer support than judgment, especially to new mothers.
The “us vs. them” mentality is rare. When an experienced mom sees a newcomer struggling—like when Froot Loops spill from a car door—she’s not judging; she’s reminiscing. We’ve all been there, and if we could catch a break from the constant demands of our little ones, we’d say…
- It’s completely normal that the car you once kept spotless now resembles a graveyard for Goldfish crackers. Yesterday we discovered an ancient hot dog lurking beneath the seats.
- We admire your dedication to preparing healthy, organic meals daily from scratch, but don’t stress if your child’s diet turns out to be mostly pickles and candy. It’s a reality we all face.
- The unparalleled joy you feel when your baby snuggles against you is truly the best high—better than anything from your college days. Embrace those cozy nights in!
- If you’ve considered getting a soundproof taxi for some peace, you are not alone. We’ve all thought of that.
- Don’t be surprised if you find yourself getting emotional while cleaning out the nursery. Milestones sneak up on you, and throwing away the nasal aspirators can be a bittersweet moment.
- If you find yourself doing the sniff test on clothes before washing them, know that you’re not alone. A little spit-up? If it can be scraped off, it’s good enough for a quick errand. Go green!
- When you return to the gym, we understand if it’s more about the childcare than fitness. We’ve seen the baby swings getting sanitized—no shame in that!
- Your homemade cleaning products are impressive! Just know that when the first stomach flu hits, we’ve all reached for the Clorox and Lysol.
- Don’t doubt your strength if you can’t take the lollipop from your child after it’s been in their mouth for hours. That little grip is stronger than you think.
- No judgment if you’ve mentioned a vasectomy as a way to celebrate your birthday or just any day. We get it.
- Don’t underestimate your parenting skills if your child uses Time Out as a chance to play quietly. Enjoy the rare silence!
- You’re still stylish even with Cheerios in your scarf and a chocolate smudge on your cheek. It’s a badge of honor.
- We admire your ability to respond to inquisitive questions in public restrooms, as long as it doesn’t involve details we’d rather avoid.
- It’s perfectly acceptable to tell your child that their favorite show character is on vacation. We call that self-preservation.
- Still wearing a nursing bra months after you’ve stopped breastfeeding? No shame—who wants to deal with a fitting right now?
We could continue this list indefinitely because motherhood unites us all, and we’re simply doing our best. Instead of pointing fingers, let’s find strength in our shared experiences. If you encounter someone overly critical, just smile and thank her for the advice while subtly acknowledging the baby poop under your nails.
Welcome to the sisterhood of motherhood!
For more insightful resources, check out this article on our blog. Additionally, Intracervical Insemination provides great authority on this topic, while Cleveland Clinic is an excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination.