It Takes A Village

Q: Have you ever blushed, or wished you were invisible, 

when your kid had a tantrum in public? 

A: Sure you have, and I have too,

this mommy thing ain't easy.

We let society tell us that kids are best seen and not heard, adorable accessories to be photographed and cooed at, patted and patronized. Guess what mamas, that is SO NOT COOL! Our babies, our toddlers, our tweens and teens, they're not just mini-adults. Research basically says that young kids are programmed to be selfish.

When kids hit, and bite, and shout "mine", yes we need to teach them about respect, but we also need to recognize that they think in terms of "me, me, me" because they literally DON'T KNOW HOW to see the world from another person's perspective. (Shout out to Jean Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development)

They say "It takes a village to raise a child" and that's absolutely true.

Raising kids is like 

a sticky, speedy, scary rollercoaster, 

and it doesn't come with a control switch. 

So next time that you see a mom making the "Don't test me" face, or juggling a baby and a shopping basket, offer to help. Read my new poem "We Take Care" (below) and consider making a funny face at the fussy baby, or asking the mom if you can hold her groceries so that she can adjust the baby. There are lots of ways to help that aren't actually that hard.

#WomenSupportingWomen

Wouldn't you want someone to do the same for you, or your daughter, or your mom?

So be on the look out for the stressed out mamas, find ways to let them know that they're not alone, that the village isn't just there to judge, and that they can handle this challenge.

We Take Care

We take care of baby brother,

because it's the right thing to do.

It really does take a village,

And I'll soothe your baby too

If you'll let me,

I'll make silly faces.

I mean no harm,

I promise.

I'll tire them out,

By running races,

We all need a break,

From the constant chases.

So open your heart,

To those knowing looks and smiles,

We're not in this alone,

As we struggle tired miles.

We take care of other moms,

Because it's the right thing to do.

Please pay the favor forward, 

When its someone else, near you.

Thanks for reading.

You're gorgeous, you're strong,

and you've got a great heart.

XoXo

~Gali