I saw the link to the article, "How To Spot Fake Hands-on Moms of Toddlers by Kathy Car" posted on Nurse's Diary's Facebook page, which was apparently removed from Sun Star Cagayan De Oro's website. Curiosity led me to click the link. As I read the points that the writer was discussing, in some areas, I admit it, I could really relate.
Let's face it! The scenarios sited are really happening to some moms out there who tirelessly take care of their families.
So based on Miss Kathy Car's standards, I passed being a GENUINE hands-on mom because of the following reasons.
Let's face it! The scenarios sited are really happening to some moms out there who tirelessly take care of their families.
So based on Miss Kathy Car's standards, I passed being a GENUINE hands-on mom because of the following reasons.
1. I don't have long, manicured, nail polished fingernails.
First and foremost, as a very busy domestic diva and mompreneur, I don't keep my fingernails long.
When I see moms who have long painted fingernails, I feel amazed on how they maintain those well-manicured, well-maintained nails while taking care of their kids! How kikay, 'di ba? I wish I can also do that but I feel uneasy when I tried doing so.
I would love to do nail art because I think it's fun! But growing my fingernails long makes me really, really uneasy. I feel dirty when my nails
are long and I can't do crafting and tons of household chores with long fingernails. Period.
2. I can answer what's the last poo of my kids look like.
It's gross to always check how my kids' poo look like everytime they respond to the call of nature. Seriously, I have to do this routine because my kids have history of gastrointestinal bleeding and amoebiasis. I have to always take note of their poo's consistency and appearance.
3. I don't go out with my kids in heels or with jewelry.
In my case, I always wear flats because of comfort and practicality. I have to keep up with my active boys. I don't wear heels because my legs cramp. If only I can wear heels anytime! Why not? For me, girls wearing heels look more feminine and fabulous! If only I can do that too! The mind is willing but my body is not!
I don't wear sets of chunky jewelry or accessories not because my youngest has the tendency to pull them but I feel comfortable not doing it. But when the situation permits, again, why not?
But this was what I found unacceptable:
Not bathing for two days...
Oh no! How can we teach good grooming to our kids if we don't take a bath once or twice daily?
 |
| This is my typical everyday look. I don't wear make-up at home but man, I take a bath more than once daily! |
To sum it all up, there's nothing wrong when a mom keeps her fingernails long and painted, goes out with her kids in matching outfits, heels and accessories, doesn't do the household chores because she is capable of hiring a helper, as long as she spends quality time with her kids every single day of her life. I admire moms who are capable of staying fit and fab while doing their duties as moms, wives, or career women.
There are working moms who help their spouses earn for a living to ensure their families' future and welfare but do their best to catch up with their kids. Some are working abroad but they see to it that they talk to their kids often. There are WAHMs and SAHMs who stay with their children 24/7 but they're just physically present but mentally absent. What do I mean? They're just with their kids to do the usual routines of bathing and feeding them but after that they spend their time on their gadgets, go to their neighbor's house to gossip, or prioritize their own concerns rather than their kids'.
We have to be aware that WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO JUDGE OTHER MOMS AND SPOT WHETHER THEY ARE FAKE HANDS-ON MOMS OR NOT. We have no right to say that a mom is a fake hands-on mom if she doesn't pass our standards or expectations. Judging other moms based on our own perception and beliefs is very, very UNFAIR!
The mother's attitude towards herself and others may be a reflection on how she mother's her children. Well, sabi nga, "Kanya-kanyang diskarte 'yan!" If a mother chooses to look "losyang" or "kikay", it's none of our business anymore. How we want to look like is not other people's business too. WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING AMONG OUR HOMES AND HOW WE RAISE OUR OWN CHILDREN SO WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO JUDGE ONE ANOTHER.
There are many faces of motherhood and wearing different hats can never be easy. Some days are better than others. But it's not an excuse for us, moms, to neglect ourselves. Kids learn best through example. In my opinion, if our kids see us taking care of ourselves, keeping our bodies clean, beautiful, and presentable whether at home or outside, our kids can be inspired and do the same.
Isn't it nicer if moms empower one another instead of pulling one another down? Isn't it good if we encourage one another to look, feel, and be at our best in all aspects so that we can become good examples to our kids? Instead of spotting flaws and judging other moms, let's mend ours and focus on how we can become better moms and inspire others to do the same.
You may also check these sites:
