I am a better parent than you. But only, only, ONLY when you ask my sons. All parents can make the same claim. Each of us is the best parent for our child.
Unfortunately, I sometimes forget that this is true, and often let other parents know, in one way or another, why my parenting ways are better than theirs. What I have discovered is that just about all parents do the same thing. Which is, we offer each other unsolicited advice _all the time_. It may be with good intentions, but the end result is generally that the recipient feels criticized in some way.
But I have all this good information to give! I have done so much research, have had so many experiences, and have such strong convictions in what is right and wrong for my kids, that I just HAVE to share it. I can't help myself.
I thought a long time (years, honestly!) about whether or not to start a blog, thinking that there are already millions of mamas out there doing the same thing. Part of me wanted to have a website that generated tons of viewers and educated a huge portion of the population (like kellymom or babycenter) about these non-mainstream ideas and styles.
But then I realized that would be impossible. I have no formal education in child development or parenting. All I know is what I've learned from my experience with my kids (which includes all of the different types of doctors and specialists we've seen over the years), books I've read, workshops and support groups I've attended, and stories from my peers. Still, no one needs to listen to me. I didn't want to spend time on something that clearly wouldn't meet the goal I had set for myself.
I am lucky to live in an area where the way I parent and live my life are the norm. I would be in the minority in most other places. I feel this gives me an advantage, exposes me to ideas and techniques that I never would have thought to even ask about otherwise. It is this advantage that I want to share, that compels me to write, hopefully reaching other parents who are looking for alternatives or support.
And THEN I thought about how popular grass roots politics are right now (April 2011), that Obama keeps talking about the importance of the voice of each individual, if we band together, we get louder. With that motivation, to strengthen the voice of the few others who strive to parent with love, compassion, understanding, vigilance, respect, a desire for a sustainable future... I started this blog.
Hopefully some of my opinions will be helpful to you in designing your own parenting style. Hopefully I don't offend my loved ones.
-NinaMama
