Comments on: People Mean Well When They Say the ‘Baby Phase’ Goes Fast, But…

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 23:07:42 +0000

In reply to brixton.

I totally hear this. I’m big on compliments, personally, but I’ve also learned that many people aren’t comfortable receiving compliments either. This said, I distintly remember the feeling of support when, once as I was walking out of the mall schooling one of my kids after a spoiled shopping, a woman walked past us with a smirk and a quiet “mmm-hmmm.”

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 06 Dec 2016 23:02:28 +0000

In reply to Amanda Clayton. This so resonates with me. Deeply. And I'm so grateful for you and this feedback. xoxo

By: brixton

brixton — Mon, 05 Dec 2016 19:40:26 +0000

I want to praise other moms all the time but worry that I’ll sound patronizing, especially if I don’t have my toddler with me. I recently flew in the row behind a family with two lap children (flying! with two kids under two! SO BRAVE!!!) and wanted to compliment the parents on their kids doing incredibly well on the flight, but didn’t want to sound like I was condescending or one of those people who thinks kids have to stay absolutely quiet on a flight. So I smiled at them and hoped that was enough.

By: Amanda Clayton

Amanda Clayton — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 15:50:09 +0000

Hello:) I know that you are doing an AMAZING job! Your beautiful girls are so very lucky! You are totally right, that is the exact response in those moments that has the potential to offer some much needed soothing in a mother of young children’s day!
My 2.75 year old has a speech delay and major sensitivities (oral sensory: she sees an OT / speech because she only accepts 4 particular things to eat it’s a constant struggle and organic toddler formula is keeping her from the next step which sadly is a feeding tube) so we have a challenge doing the simple things that I took for granted that were so easy with my first! My third, 18 months old has DS and going to the many extra specialist Drs appointments and therapies is an extra challenge. I do them alone and travel outnumbered daily as my husband works late and on most weekends too. I have the “been there done that ” comment directed at me most often and I just decided to explain my version of motherhood recently and the onlooker realized that maybe they had not actually been here and done this. It felt good but it’s exhausting and a simple “you should be so proud of yourself” comment that I received weeks ago in a gymnastics class with my toddler has lingered in my heart daily! Keep up the incredible job that you are doing and take some extra time here and there doing something just for you even if it’s only a hot coffee! I am trying to not yell today, it has not worked any other day so far this week but all we can do is keep trying! Xoxo

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 15:21:51 +0000

In reply to Pamela. I feel this so, soooo much. I see you. And you're doing a great job, mama.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Sat, 03 Dec 2016 14:58:00 +0000

I know people often comment with I needed this today, but I really did. “This too shall pass” invokes an irrational rage in me. Today, having to deal with a 3yo nappy refuser who has a basic understanding of toileting crapping over the floor and smearing it everywhere is not something I felt like dealing with today. I did deal but really not my most admirable moment, shouting at him whilst trying to lift him upstairs arms outstretched with an 8 month pregnant belly to consider and trying to prevent my 19 month old from playing with what could be mistaken for brown play-doh. And breathe…..