Sorry, I'm not Sorry.

Nothing in particular sparked this post, just a collective of life lately. I have decided I am sick of "defending" my parenting and I really don't care what anyone thinks about it anymore. As parents we constantly feel like we have to justify why we do a, b or c. Why? Why do we feel the need to explain why we use formula or breastfeed or why we spank or don't? It's not a competition about who is right or not. Some things work for my family that may not work for yours and vice versa. I'm also sick of getting judged by people for not parenting the way they deem fit.

Recently, the big issue is my children not saying "yes ma'am" or "no sir." I don't forcefully teach my children to say this. Sorry, i'm not sorry. I was never made to say it as a child. I was taught to show respect, answer someone when they speak to you and acknowledge them. I was taught to be respectful of adults who were respectful to me. I know gasp, the concept that respect goes both ways applies to my children too? Well yes, they are human being deserving of respect too. I was never required to address everyone as sir or ma'am and I don't expect it of my children. My husband and I differ on this view and that is ok, he understands my side and I his. We move on and it isn't much of an issue in our house. 

I know I am a good parent. My children are great kids as far as I am concerned. I am sick of having to explain a behavior of my son's as part of his ADHD, I am sick of telling people my daughter is not rude, she is just shy. I am sick of trying to prove to people that my kids are good kids. I have made a conscious choice to let my children be who they are, I let them be heard even though they don't always get their way I make sure they know their opinion is important. I let my son dress up with his sister without fear of him becoming gay (really why is anyone afraid of this anymore? It's not scary). I let my daughter speak her mind as long as she isn't being disrespectful. I let my children be angry, I do however direct them to appropriate outlets for their anger such as screaming into a pillow or punching your bed. I have exhausted every resource and find it is useless to force my son to eat anything he doesn't want to. I'm done apologizing for all of it.

So yes, some days you will see my son (who is under the weight limit) in a stroller walking to or from the bus stop, and I don't really care what you think. If you have a problem then address me and we can agree to disagree or you can just f-off. Really your feelings about my children and my parenting are not my priority. Sorry.

-Sarah