Jenny’s ChannelMom Blog
Do you think we’re afraid of other moms?
I am aware of my occasional internal conversations when I’m around an impressive mom. Sometimes the conversation comes from a place of insecurity: “I wonder if she’s nicer to her kids than I am to mine?” “Do her kids love her more than mine love me?” “How does her house look THIS clean?” “And, she also volunteers?”
Or, they come from a place of judgment: “She has a tattoo THERE?” “She doesn’t go to church?” “She’s been divorced t-h-r-e-e times?” “I wonder if she even attempts to teach her kids proper values.” “She lets her teenager do THAT?!”
Finally… and most uncomfortable… these internal conversations come from a place of fear: “She votes differently than I do.” “What must she think of my neighborhood compared to where SHE lives?” “She doesn’t believe what I believe… am I missing something?” “Her business seems to be thriving… I should be happy for her.” “Her dreams are coming true… why am I NOT happy for her?” “She makes me feel defeated.”
Here’s the conversation I’d rather have, as one mom relating to another. I’d like to have authentic external conversations — ones in which I encourage the moms that are different from me. I cheer on the moms that are more impressive than me. I support the moms who struggle in ways that I haven’t… yet. I want to step back and really try… not to judge, to offer grace, to truly love, to give gifts, to spend time, to support and praise… even when another mom might tempt me to feel insecure, judgmental or afraid. I’d like to love her anyway… that’s my best answer to WWJD?
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