The internet often shouts that perfection isn’t necessary. It urges us to put aside competitiveness and end the so-called Mommy Wars. We hear the refrain to step back from Pinterest… But it’s nearly impossible to share a no-bake energy bite without encountering the clamor against parental rivalry. I wholeheartedly support this sentiment. As parents, we should embrace the notion of “good enough.” We ought to ease off the judgment of others and their choices, as well as grant ourselves some grace.
However, here’s the thing: I enjoy creating, and that doesn’t mean I’m aiming for perfection, nor do I intend to complicate life for other parents. There is a common misconception that mothers who engage in handmade or homemade activities are striving to be the best or perfect. They often become the scapegoats in every anti-Pinterest discussion, as if these women alone are to blame for the challenges of contemporary parenting.
I want to voice my support for those mothers. From my experience, that stereotype is simply untrue. I take pleasure in cooking, have a knack for design, and have a passion for organization and decluttering. I’ve always had an interest in fashion, hair, and make-up. Themed parties? Yes, please!
I’ve crafted homemade Valentines, created Halloween costumes, and prepared organic meals with genuine joy. I even wear mascara daily. Because that’s just who I am.
There are also plenty of things I don’t do. I don’t take pictures or scrapbook. Baking isn’t my forte, and I don’t volunteer at school. My toilets? They could use more attention. And my kids? They aren’t enrolled in every extracurricular activity available.
When I decide to bake an Egyptian-themed birthday cake, complete with graham cracker crumbs for desert sand, it’s not to make you feel inadequate or to elevate my status above yours or to evoke envy in your children. I’m not perched on a throne of superiority, judging your store-bought contributions to bake sales or potlucks.
In fact, when you ask me, “Did you really make that?” with a hint of accusation, it honestly makes me feel terrible. I don’t engage in these activities to attain perfection or to undermine you. I don’t even do it for my kids; I do it for myself.
You might find it sad that I cling to these projects, but I have my reasons. Amid the monotony of parenting, I crave moments of joy and creative expression. Whether that’s through a birthday cake, a new eyeliner, or an organized labeling system, I embrace it. That’s simply who I am.
Do my interests seem misplaced? That’s not for you to judge. I’m not trying to pressure you into becoming the perfect parent, just as I’m not seeking a feature in a magazine. I’m merely trying to reconnect with parts of myself that make navigating parenthood a bit easier.
You may not understand what brings me joy, and that’s okay. I’ve sacrificed a lot in my role as a parent, but must I also abandon the things I excel at simply because they make you uncomfortable?
The issue lies not with Pinterest, homemade items, or the debate between fresh and frozen. The real problem is that many of us feel lost. We’ve become so entangled in our identities as mothers that we struggle to remember who we are outside that role. We’re all navigating this journey, searching for the right balance that resonates with us.
To find our way back to ourselves, we must be as authentic as possible, even if it results in those trendy Bento box creations that prompt eye rolls and online rants from other moms. When I catch myself rolling my eyes at something I deem silly, I remind myself that it’s not my place to criticize.
Because sometimes, I too relish the joy of creating.
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Summary:
This article defends the right of mothers to engage in creative projects without being labeled as overachievers or competitors. It emphasizes the importance of self-expression and personal joy in the parenting journey, pushing back against societal pressures to conform. The author encourages authenticity and self-discovery, while acknowledging that not all mothers will understand these pursuits. Ultimately, it’s about finding balance and joy in the chaos of parenting.