27. Three difficult lessons from early motherhood
Reflections on boundaries.
Every Once In A While is weekly newsletter where I share how I’m learning how to apply and live out my Christian faith as a wife, mother and homemaker in the current culture we live in. Topics here often revolve around the home, femininity, motherhood, relationships with others, and various other aspects and seasons in life.
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-Danielle
Minding My Own Business
From the time I was pregnant, it became evident to me that there are many moms out there who are eager to share their wealth of knowledge about parenting and childcare with others, which is a good and helpful thing for new mothers or for mothers who are trying to navigate a new or tough season that others have walked through before them. That same eagerness more often than not is also seen in taking a keen interest in what others are doing. This also can be incredibly helpful for mothers who are open to learning from others.
To this day, I get asked questions from other moms like, “So, how did you navigate potential food allergens when your toddler started eating solids as a baby?” I give my answer, while also assuming the best about the mom asking me.
I say assume the best about a mom because that hasn’t always been my experience when freely sharing what I do or don’t do as a mother.
Not too long after my daughter was born, I joined in with other moms in sharing my newfound knowledge in infant care and motherhood. I found that so many moms were on the same wavelength with me when it came to feedings, sleep, baby gear and introducing solids. Until, there were some who weren’t.
I remember an instance when I was openly sharing with others about some specific things that had been working well for our family when it came to caring for our baby. An *acquaintance* of mine, who apparently disagreed with me and had opposing views, immediately took to social media to go on a tirade against every single specific thing I had just shared about. Maybe it was coincidence, but the specifics and timing of the subject matter was too spot on to be random. This individual basically framed the specific things I shared as examples of terrible parents who don’t love their children and then listed all the ways how what she did in her mothering was far superior.
I learned right then and there that it would be healthy if I stopped freely and openly sharing what works for our family, and to also be less concerned about what others are doing. I say that I needed to stop instead of this acquaintance of mine because I needed to be the change I wanted to see. It sounds cliche, but if I wanted other people to mind their business and stop caring so much about what I do or don’t do, then I needed to stop being an open book, while at the same time start minding my own business if and when I see someone parenting in a way that I wouldn’t. It’s not my job to mother other mothers, but it is my job to mother my child.
Continued below…
What I’m cooking
It was recently our turn to provide dinner for our small group at church. I wasn’t sure what to make since there are so many people in our group and all of their children to feed, which means a wide variety of palettes and preferences to consider. Pasta and soup have been done way too many times in the rotations, so I knew I needed to get creative. Then it it hit me, there’s a delicious meal that I’ve been making for my family regularly that’s been an absolute hit- Korean ground beef bowls. I knew if my toddler would eat this dish, then everyone would like it. And I was right! It was a hit. If you’re looking for an easy, fun, budget friendly meal that even your kids will love, give this recipe a try!
Valentine’s Day: Kitchen Fun For Everyone
As a stay at home mom with a toddler who loves to join me in the kitchen, I’ve been eyeing some Valentines Day finds for both little ones to enjoy, but also some fun, kitchen items that everyone can enjoy this Valentines Day.
Heart shaped Dutch oven/ heart cookie cutters/ heart cake pan/ mini heart waffle maker
Valentine’s Day For Littles
Toddler girls outfit/ Montessori puzzles/ Lego Heart Wreath/ Cuddle Bug book
Catching up
I recently wrote an article about the timeless and untouchable beauty of a woman with a content and thankful heart. Read the whole post here.
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