I am that mom

I am that mom (the one you always shake your head at, the one you wonder if they were raised in a barn...LOL) Yes, I am that mom who:

1. Lets their kids run in the grocery store. Not hog wild, knocking down the elderly and the infirm... I let them run from one end of the aisle to the other *if* no-one is in the aisle with me... grocery shopping is boring. Kids get bored, so I let them get their excess energy out and try to make it fun. Yes, they are loud, they are crazy...but they are normal, fun loving boys. I do check them sometimes!

2. I am that mom who to the horror of my wonderful Mother in law (who might read this... LOL) gives their kids medicine that was not prescribed to them. Let me clarify. My son Jack got the Croup and had to go to the hospital for a breathing treatment and some meds to the tune of $75.00 we don't really have to spare. My son Max then got a mild case so I gave him some of Jack's medicine for a day... maybe its risky, I don't think so really... my mom did it for us and we are fine! I guess I trust my own instincts sometimes.

3. I am that mom who lets their kids have a piece of candy, some chips and OMG (lock me up now) a sprite on special occasions eating out! All things in moderation is my motto. I truly believe the more you stigmatize sugar and sweets as all bad in all quantities, the more you run the risk of having a fat child/adult. Children denied may become adults who gorge. JMHO I don't think that food (for the most part) should be treated as almost evil... it just adds to the appeal.

4. I am that mom who doesn't worry about germs. I do not wipe the grocery cart down, (unless I pass right by the sanitizing wipes and it reminds me) I don't use a cart cover, I don't wipe the toys down every week to kill germs, I don't wash their hands and faces if a. a dog kisses them or b. they pet our cats, or c. they touch another child who looks perfectly well. Germs are necessary to strengthen the immune system in early years so that germs later on don't kick your butt into submission. My mom did not worry about this so I (like my kids now) was rarely sick.

5. I am that mom who doesn't follow trends, I didn't teach my child baby signs. Honestly, I know it would be helpful before they can really talk to let you know if they are thirsty, hungry, wet... but beyond that I do not see a huge value in this. I have a cousin who faithfully taught her daughter and son baby signs (they are the same age as Jack and Max) and her daughter spoke later and less than my son Jack. Her son was about the same as my son Max. No difference at all. My son Jack gets praised by Doctors, and many random people for his large vocabulary, his ability to follow directions and his understanding of words and phrases that some kids his age do not. My son Max is well on his way to mirror those accomplishments...all without the uber trendy baby signs. Sometimes just old fashioned learning is all that's needed.

There are many more actually... I am one of those people who do what I feel is best, I listen and research and make an informed decision based on a combination of facts and gut feelings. I do not take my duties as a mother lightly. But I also know that I am a smart, educated and informed woman who can make a choice for my child without having to consult with other moms to get approval for my actions. I am that mom. I am that mom who instills confidence, who gives unconditional love. I am that mom who makes mistakes, but I am that mom who shows her children how to learn from them. I am that mom who lets their children be kids. That is all I can expect or want from them. Except I hope they do the same for their kids too.