Many moms who use social media are used to frequently being shamed and judged by other moms every time they post a photo or video of their children.
We’re not sure when it became okay for people to mom-shame others, but it’s about time someone put an end to it.
For some reason, every parent thinks that there is one “right way” to raise kids.
Your family will always try and tell you what you “should do,” especially when it’s your first child and your siblings, or cousins, or even your parents, have had children before.
It’s even worse, though, when you have to get unsolicited advice and judgment from strangers.
Moms who use social media know that when you share anything online, it opens the floodgates to comments and unsolicited advice.
It’s well known that moms are sick and tired of hearing judgment and shaming.
That’s why moms everywhere are being as candid as possible online with their opinions on mom-shaming and why it’s so wrong and dated.
Even celebrity moms like Pink have spoken out against mom-shamers in interviews.
Pink opened up about how online comments had taken a toll on her and her family in an interview on Ellen earlier this year. The comments got so out of hand that she said she would stop posting photos of her kids.
And Chrissy Teigen was shamed when she shared a video of her son taking his first steps.
In response to the comments criticizing her for letting her son walk near “hard surfaces”, Chrissy wrote, “I have to block like 20-30 people every time I post my kids.”
Karen Johnson, a mother of three and the woman behind the Facebook page 21st Century SAHM shared a lengthy post about why moms need to quit shaming each other.
“Girlfriends, I got to get something off my chest. My house is never clean. Like ever. I have friends (with kids) whose houses are spotless. Are they better mothers than me? Nope. Am I a better mother than them? Nope,” she wrote in her post.
She also went into how moms shame each other over non-parenting issues like how many times a week a mom works out.
“I work out every day. I have mom friends who don’t exercise. (I mean other than running around like crazy people after their kids). Does that make either of us a better mom? Nope,” she said.
Basically, Karen’s message is simple: Stop judging yourself and other moms.
She even ended the never-ending “stay-at-home moms versus working moms” debate with one word:
“Are stay-at-home moms better than working moms? NO.
Are working moms better than stay-at-home moms? NO.”
She went on to explain some of the different ways women can still be “good moms”.
“I drink a beer or glass of wine (sometimes in front of my kids!) on occasion. I’m a good mom. My neighbor and good friend doesn’t drink. Also a good mom,” she said.
Karen also pointed out that we shouldn’t look down on other moms because of what they feed their kids.
“I have friends who are super organic, chemical-free, and dye-free. My kids sometimes eat popsicles for breakfast. The cheap kind that are 50 for $2.00. Are either of us better than the other? Nope,” she said.
At the end of the day, Karen wants all moms to know that they are good moms!
“I’m a Christian. My friend and neighbor is Muslim. Another friend practices no religion at all. WE ARE ALL GOOD MOTHERS,” she said.
How awesome would it be if we just ended mom-shaming once and for all?
“So how about this? Can we all climb down off judgmental mountain for a second? And just support one another? And just say, Hey, motherhood is hard. You’re doing a good job. Raising kids can knock the wind out of a person. You got this. How awesome would that be? Just a thought,” she said.
Moms online were so happy to see someone else speaking up and supporting them.
One mom wrote: “Thank you for posting this. I needed this today more than ever. For all the moms who don’t get told enough or some ever Y’ALL ARE ALL GREAT MOMS. And you will make it through the day and wake up and make it through the next. Go moms!!! I appreciate all of you!!!”
That’s why it’s so important to remember Karen’s words and act on them in the digital and real world.
All moms parent differently. Some moms work, other moms stay at home.
No matter what you decide to do as a mom, don’t discredit the amount of parenting, love, and care another gives her child. Remember, we’re all doing our best!
Some moms said they “really needed to read this,” and it left them “in tears.”
“I needed to read this today! I’m sitting here almost in tears because my sister in law made a comment about how I could do something cause she is so busy at work! Like she is less available and more important than me cause she works! I use to have a 40 hour a week! But everyone looks at me now like I am just a servant! Your page always inspires me when I feel alone! Thanks SAHM!”
Clearly, many stay-at-home moms receive a lot of “mommy-shaming,” and are told that they aren’t “hard working” because they get to stay home with the kids.
The social media outpour of hate and disrespect towards stay-at-home moms tends to be pretty high — especially from moms who go to work every day.
