Learning the ropes as a new mom is tough—and it’s even harder when you have to deal with mom-shaming criticism from those nearest and dearest to you.
Have you ever felt judgmental glances from family or friends when it comes to parenting? You’re not alone: 6 in 10 mothers of young children say they’ve been criticized on everything from discipline to breastfeeding, according to a University of Michigan poll.
What’s surprising? The most frequent offenders are a mom’s own parents, followed by the child’s other parent and in-laws. Moms report far less mom-shaming from friends, other mothers they encounter in public, social media commenters and their child’s health or care providers.
Here’s what moms say:
- 37% have felt second-guessed by their mother or father
- 42% say criticism has made them feel unsure about their parenting choices—but it has also pushed them to be proactive and consult a healthcare provider for advice
- 56% believe moms get too much blame and not enough credit for their children’s behavior
- Half of those surveyed said they simply avoid super-critical people
Moms get criticism most often about:
- discipline (70%)
- diet and nutrition (52%)
- sleep (46%)
- breast- vs. bottle-feeding (39%)
- safety (20%)
- child care (16%)
Dealing with mom-shaming? Tell your nurse and ask for their advice in the safety of a shame-free zone.
Source: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-06/mmu-pnt061617.php
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