Continued from Top Ten Things Not To Say To New Moms
Motherhood is weird. Not only do you acquire things like cracked nipples and external hemorrhoids, you also open yourself up to a world of comments. Comments on your health, comments on your baby’s health, comments on who should and should not be wearing miniature socks in 75 degree weather.
For some reason, when a woman transitions to the role of mother, it becomes normal and necessary for her neighbor or grocery bagger to have a comment. It is strange.
Most comments are harmless, but if you pay attention to the sighs and eye rolls behind the scenes, you’ll notice a pattern of tiredness when it comes to comments. No one wants to be talked down to. No one wants to hear that things will get harder. No one wants to hear your opinion on how long it’s okay to have a pacifier.
In an effort to save you from shaming your niece or sister or new mom friend Samantha, here are the top ten things not to say.
As always, I’m just as guilty.
If I made a Top Ten list of things you should say to moms, every number would all be the same: You’re doing a great job.
Happy Tuesday.
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1) That outfit is so flattering on you.
Translation: That black shirt and pants really hides your love handles.
2) You look like such a mom.
Translation: Sorry you have a mom haircut.
3) Do you work?
Translation: Do you do anything besides facebook?
4) Just wait until you have two/three/four of them!
Translation: You have it so easy…FOR NOW.
5) You’ll never read a book again. Or travel. Or shower!
Translation: YOU WILL BE AS MISERABLE AS ME.
6) You have your hands full!
Translation: You look tired.
7) Think you’ll try for your girl/boy?
Translation: You cannot possibly be satisfied with just boys/girls.
8) You’re still breastfeeding?
Translation: It’s getting weird.
9) What do you do with all that free time?
Translation: Sorry your life is so easy.
10) I could never stay home with my kids/work away from my kids.
Translation: I am better than you.
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What are you tired of hearing?
Writing for an online audience is weird. Mostly it’s great, but it also has its downsides. Not only are you called the worst name ever (blogger or BLOBBER?), but it can create awkward situations when your great aunt Margaret asks you what is the “point” of your “blog”?
