We are in the age of ‘perfect parenting’ friends! The age where we as parents and caregivers are scrutinized for any harsh word uttered at our offspring and scolded for any type of slip up. Current culture is actively directing us toward 100% compliance on patience, kindness, cuddles and positive discipline. Comply or be ostracized my friends. Today’s Parent, Dr. Phil and The Mom Show are out to find delinquents so be warned. Harsh glares are shot our way should we find ourselves in the middle of a warzone with our two year old that just happens to be in a full on fish out of water flail session on the grocery store floor. Sly comments will be made as you duck under the iconic big M archway for some quick and easy fast food on a Friday night after a long week. This is the age! Jump on the bandwagon or be shunned. This is the era of perfect parenting ladies and yes, it’s a conspiracy!It’s true; I am complicit in this cultural conspiracy. I have wholeheartedly bought into the current age of perfect parenting. I parent my child much differently than my parents cared for me and certainly different from how my grandparents nurtured my parents. I actively read and research on the latest and greatest techniques for discipline. I love to learn about my own daughter’s personality and the strengths and weaknesses of her nature. I touch, cuddle, hug and speak softly. I read to her daily. I distract, sing, dance and direct kindly towards positive choice. I give choice. I empower. I say no. I take her to the park even in the winter. I love. I love so much.
But, I feed her Nutella. This is my confessional for I have sinned. I have also fed her: chocolate, multiple boxes of macaroni and cheese, Kool-Aid Jammers, pizza, French fries, chocolate milk, pudding cups, Tim Horton's donuts, Sprite and the list goes on.
Being pregnant with baby number two I have lost my mind and memory. These are hefty personal sacrifices that I have accepted. However, in order to share the wealth and joy I’ve passed along the sacrifices to my child. I have been unable to comply with the unwritten perfect parenting rule of ‘feed thy children the most healthy of foods that have been plucked from the rich soil from thine own hands’. I have not offered her lovely Canadian food guide choices and have certainly not given her the daily suggested amount of omega 3 fatty acids. I have disobeyed and outright picketed against being a perfect parent. I’ve even allowed copious amounts of Treehouse into her little life.
My hope for the near future is a speedy return to the days of keeping up with the Jones'. The days where spinach, granola and whole wheat were staples in our diet. Let this blog and book inspire me!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Nutella Face
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I could add my own sins to your post and make you look like a perfect parent again!
ReplyDeleteStriving to be better... well, that's good stuff. Striving for perfection... well, that will only drive you nuts, literally.
ReplyDeleteI think that if kids ate great, wholesome food all of the time then they would grow up yearning the junk. If we give them little doses of junk here and there then they won't be obsessed with it because it isn't the unknown. Know what I mean? Or is this just what I tell myself to feel okay with the options that I give Meg sometimes. :)
Very interesting blog Em. I have to say that so far I feel that I parent Abs the same way that I was parented. My parents were super strick with some things but very laid back with others, either way we knew we were loved. I would be interested to hear what others think of my parenting style. There is always room for improvement!
ReplyDeleteAs for food choices. With an underweight allergic kid I have to say I give Abs much worse food then you give Ava. Sometimes dinner is an egg and plate of potato chips! I find it hard to find high calorie foods that are good for you too and she just needs to put on the pounds at this point. I am worried that I am creating a junk food addict and if one day she can eat normal food she won't because I have programmed her to eat unhealthily. Ahhh, the rock and the hard place.