Tip of the Day: Keep Calm & Carry On

Double trouble!! I found some of my old pictures from long ago and I was so surprised how much Eden resembles me. Every time I look at Eden, I feel as if I'm looking at a mirror image of myself!

"Keep Calm & Carry On" has become my motto lately especially when my morale is low. Being a mother is extremely rewarding but with that comes a lot of criticism. People can seriously crush you with words!!! I try to block off the negative things people say but it's definitely hard when they're coming at you from every angle. It's difficult to ignore the cruel things people say even when you know it's not true. As a mother, I've been tested and challenged beyond my limitations. I've dealt with all kinds of dilemmas from being called a "bad" mother and having people think I'm selfish for wanting to work instead of staying at home. Here are my favorites:

1. "She's still sick from the last time I saw her? Maybe she should see a real doctor down here. Makes me wonder how well you are taking care of her."

aka THE BAD MOTHER! This one is my all-time fav! (Again, these are real quotes from real people and they're quite hilarious now that I read it again) If I had a nickel for every time someone reference me as the "bad" mother, I'd be quite wealthy. I always wondered how they came to this conclusion. This person hasn't seen her for over a month and thinks she's been sick for all her life. At 6 months of age, Eden's going through a transformation. She's teething which is causing her pain and hitting fevers. The season is changing therefore the baby is fighting viruses and foreign invaders. It's normal for babies to catch colds. I like how this person referenced how I should take her to see a "real" doctor. C'mon really, I'm seriously going to take my baby to a "pretend" doctor behind an alley somewhere. Trust me, her pediatrician has an MD. I tripled checked his credentials and where he graduated from med school and residency. If it makes you feel better, I "yelped" him to find his ratings and how others felt about him. Trust me NOW!?!

2. "Why are you going to work? You should stay at home and take care of your baby."

I have no problems with staying at home (I wish I could stay at home w/ Eden), but who will support my baby if I did? No one!!! If you're lucky that your husband/boyfriend is able to support the family, I'm all for it. Staying at home works best for your family and you can spend quality time with your children. If you don't, then you better find a way to support your children. It's that simply! I chose to work because I have to provide for my baby, BOTTOM LINE! I have to pay for her diapers, clothes, and everyday necessities. Babies do not suffer when mothers work. They're not going to fall over and die because you're working. I have Eden at the hospital day care which is convenient because I can swing by during my breaks and lunch to see her. I seen mothers who worked and raised some of the most amazing kids and I've also seen mothers who stayed at home whos kids turned out great and lovable. On the other hand, I've witnessed mothers who stayed at home and had some of the most rotten and shittiest kids. It all comes down to how YOU RAISE THEM!


3. "You're selfish for wanting to pursue higher education."

Really?!? Because I thought if I went back to school, I could possibly get a better paying job that would possibly provide for my baby. Maybe then, I wouldn't have to work as physically hard. I would be using my brain instead of tearing down my body. I applaud all the mothers who continue in their studies because they want a better future for their children. You are the example to your kids. They see you pursuing your goals, don't you think they would want to do the same?

As much as I want to sudo chop all the ignorant people out there, what good will it do? They'll still be the ignorant, worthless, bastards on the planet. Now that I'm done ranting (ahhh I feel so much better...writing is so therapeutic), I want to leave you with this message! To ALL the mothers and future mothers out there that had/will deal with criticisms, keep calm and carry on! Action speaks louder than words so continue on being the GREAT and STRONG MOTHERS that you are! They'll see it and you can see right through them!