As I rewatched a video that was taken minutes after the birth of our son, I am simply amazed at how quickly he is growing and learning. At 8 months, he is sitting up, crawling, and even standing! New skills take time to master. Until he masters the art of standing and reaching for mommy’s laptop, a few topples and tumbles are inevitable.
One particularly remarkable behaviour is his ability to stop mid-activity, lean back, and fearlessly take a dive. To me, this is the ultimate example of blind faith. My 8-month old has learned that he can blindly trust that his mother will catch him when he falls. He has learned that mom always looks out for him; so much so, he can fearlessly take risks knowing that he will come out the other side safe and sound.
We all could learn a thing or two from them babies.
From the minute that small child is placed in a mother’s arms, every thought that crosses her mind requires a second thought; once for herself, and once for her baby. Every decision made is made with her child’s best interests in mind. Her own best interests are placed on the back burner without the slightest hesitation, in the hopes that her child remains happy and healthy. Everything else (showers, manicures, and the like) can wait. We realize we have been given the responsibility of building an individual who will one day grow to be a happy, healthy, and productive member of society.
Perhaps that’s why Huffington Post’s coverage of “I Support You” piqued my interest. The notion that moms judge each other on their choices baffles me. Whether the debate is between breastfeeding or formula feeding, disposable or cloth diapers, cosleeping or crying it out – it seems as if we are at each other’s throats in an attempt to justify our own decisions.
Why do we moms feel the need to justify our decisions to others? Why do we not support each other in our choices, simply knowing that each mother only wants what is best for her baby? It is time that moms look the skeptics in the eye, and ask: who are you to question my judgment and childrearing choices? Because the fact of the matter is that we have sacrificed our bodies, minds, and souls for our children, and every sleeping and waking moment is spent with our babies.
When the visitors go home, paternity leave ends, and the friends have finished cooing and awwing at the baby photos, it’s just me and the baby. Day in and day out. We’ve learned a few things about each other. And, along the way, I’ve learned what’s best for my little guy. He knows that. You should, too.
Anjali Joshi 