Have you ever wondered what it was like for our Mother's while we were growing up? Life seemed so different in a time where you can ride your bike down the road and she didn't worry so much about a sexual predator snapping you up. She didn't have to worry about you chatting online with the wrong people. Cell phones weren't around for her to call you if she thought it was getting late. In a time before the technological boom, life seemed calm. The only convenience for Mothers back then seemed to look like this:
I look at my life as a SAHM to three little ones and wonder what I would do without two very important things: Internet & Parenting Forums
You might be laughing right about now, but I'm SERIOUS! As most of you know, I've moved my fair share of times since having kids and as each city welcomed me, I sometimes didn't feel welcome by the Mommy Cliques already established. It's hard to meet new friends when they are sitting in close nit circles at the park bench, as to NOT let any Momma in that doesn't drive the right Mini Van, doesn't have a big enough rock on her finger, or isn't sporting the new Bugga Boo Stroller.
What outlet did I turn to? Local Parenting Forums came to the rescue with the ability to meet friends, vent about everything under the sun, boast about my husband & kids, plan playdates, and most importantly ask questions.
Has anyone ever experienced Eczema with their children? What topical cream should I use?
My daughter has this weird blister on her eye. Is it a sty, you think?
My son is running a 102 fever.. Am I overreacting or should I take him to the ER?
It's always nice to have an ear that will listen, but it's even nicer when you find other Moms who have gone through issues you're struggling with. To add more to the mix, I moved to Charlotte back in October and joined Moms Charlotte soon afterwards. It's a new forum, just established, but you can ask a featured Pediatrician health questions, debate about politics, find out the hottest children's events in town, enter giveaways, AND meet some awesome Mommas!
I can't imagine living without a Parenting Forum of any kind where the abundance of resources are at the tip of your fingers at 2:00am, when you're wondering Who else is up feeding a newborn?
So, I don't run around with a Mommy Clique, but you can say I do share my online time with Mommy "Clicks".
7 comments:
wow! i just blooged about htis two days ago! it's so hard to fit in but the community of forums has been such a healing and welcoming place! i'm not sure how my momma did it...
This topic seems to be popping up a lot in the past few days. It is tricky to find the balance between enjoying close friends and making sure you are not in the middle of a clique! Praying God will keep my eyes open to young moms who need a circle to join--and that they would see my arms wide open. ON the flip side, Praisin' Him for meeting ALL my needs when I see the band of arms so tightly closed and feel unwelcomed. And wow, it is crazy to think about life without some of the things we have---I know we could do it, right? LOL!
LOL, that Tupperware stuff looks familiar! My mom used to sell Tupperware so we had lots of it. :)
I totally agree - parenting forums have been a lifeline for me too... it's so great to be able to ask and answer questions with other moms who are going through similar things. And pretty much the only time I have for socializing is late at night online :).
I've been really blessed with lots of good friends close by and haven't really been on forums, but it's one thing we all really do need, a good friend with whom to talk to and confide in and get advice from. I too wonder what my mother did, although we lived in a pretty great neighborhood too.
I know just how you feel. We all need someone to confide in, get advice from, and just talk to. I'm lucky to live in a great neighborhood with lots of good moms. Blogging has been a great outlet though to share stuff although I've never really done the forum thing. But it's definetely something we women need.
I finally had some time to catch myself up! Your blog is so uplifting and thought provoking! Thanks so much for taking the time to share so much with the rest of us! I was alittle blue tonight and your writing made me feel so much better! Oh,and I think next time at the park you should just go over and introduce yourselves to those mommies... that's what Jesus would do, and if they have any depth at all they'll be so happy you did :D
I hate trying to fit in with other moms, comparing and all. I always feel so inadequate. I am a shy person, and I am so thankful for meeting people like you....no shyness involved!!
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