The other day I was thinking about how it’s become very normalized to breastfeed in public. How wonderful that it’s now legal to breastfeed publicly in all 50 states! However, I really don’t like it. I get nervous, edgy, and uncomfy feeding in public spaces. I would much rather feed my little one at home. I know that might be an uncommon or unpopular opinion!
This got me wondering about the unconventional or unpopular opinions held by our ABQ Mom team. I have compiled a list below!
Regarding Bribery:
“I’m a fan of bribery on occasion. I like a little bribe, so it makes sense that it works well for my toddler!”
“Bribery works. I was always told that you shouldn’t bribe your kids. But adults work off of rewards. Kids do too. From ‘please act like you have some sense in public and we’ll go get ice cream after’ to ‘$10 for every A’.”
Regarding Grades:
“My kid will be grounded for a B on her report card. But it’s for her specifically. She’s a straight A student in all honors courses. If she has a B or lower, it’s because she chose not to turn something in or didn’t study. My son, on the other hand, has trouble learning and we are seeking further guidance for possible ADHD and also receiving testing for speech along with a mild stutter. So if he gets a B, he actually is trying. We practice school work with both.”
“I don’t believe in paying for grades or chores. I don’t obsess about screen time. I don’t over think what they do (or don’t) eat.”
Regarding Screen Time:
“I don’t enforce screen time limits. The television was absolutely my babysitter when my son was little. And baby Einstein videos were my saving grace, but I can pull the plug at any time if I deem it necessary.”
“I let my kids swear and I don’t have a bedtime for my older kids. I allow unlimited sweets, and I don’t force my kids to try new foods, finish their plate, or eat vegetables. I also don’t allow my kids to take mental health days to miss school.”
» » » » » » » RELATED READ: Mom Project: Keep Your Judgements to Yourself « « « « « « «
Other Important Opinions:
“I absolutely dislike pretend play. I’ll make all kinds of excuses. I’ve packed up and taken my kid all the way to the park just so I don’t do pretend play. My youngest one is five and hopefully soon we’ll be out of that phase.”
“I believe moms can have a life outside of their children/partners. I go out with my friends often and I think it’s important.”
“I prefer going on a family trip to celebrate a birthday rather than having a birthday party.”
“I don’t have bedtimes. If they stay up too late, then they suffer the natural consequence of a rough day at school if they’re too tired. I didn’t post any pictures of my child on social media until he was much older. I felt it should be his choice if he wants his picture on the internet which could be permanent. Also, single parenting was easier. Not that there aren’t challenges but getting to parent my own way without having disagreements was nice.
“I let my child swear, but he chooses not to. I let my child dress for comfort, no matter the occasion. I prefer time alone to time spent with family most of the time.”
“I don’t like reading books . . . during the day. Bedtime stories I LOVE, but during the day I have no idea but never want to do it!”
Every child and every parent is unique. What might work for one family may not work for another! It’s important that we respect each other’s differences and lean on each other for support. Remember, we all mom differently!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
