The worst part about being a parent...OTHER PARENTS!

I just read an article that made me feel badly for giving my sons nightly baths. Apparently, it's bad for their overall health and they could get really sick because I am washing all of their good germs away. Oh, and I'm using the wrong shampoo that has chemicals in it that are probably sucking their little brain cells away one bath at a time.

Earlier tonight I read an article about car seats and how my 2-year-old should be rear facing still (and everyone else in the car too) because in the event of an accident we would handle the blunt force better.

This week at work we talked about an article that was circulating about top 10 foods you should NEVER feed your children...goldfish, poptarts, lunchables...you know ALL  of the things they LOVE!

And then there is the vaccination debate, napping, full day kindergarten, full day preschool, home school...AAAAHHH!

Honestly, it makes me never want to read again! (I totally get that I have the option to not read these things!)

Here are my thoughts on the whole child rearing thing...

Does your child smell/is he dirty?
Does he look well fed?
Is she tired? (Does she sleep at some point in the day/night?)
Is he healthy?
Is she learning?
Does she smile more than frown?
Does he laugh more than cry?
Does she throw tantrums because you said no?
Does he play?
Does she run around?
Does he do funny things?
Do you laugh at/with your child?
Do you cry because of and with your child?
At one point or many points during the day do you wonder if you are cut out for the whole parenting thing?
Is parenting the most challenging thing you have ever experienced in your life?
Is parenting the most rewarding thing you have ever done in your life?

If you answered these questions in the way that YOU think they should be answered, than congratulations, you ARE doing an INCREDIBLE job at being a parent. If what you are doing at home is right for you, that is fantastic!

It's obvious that along with the certificate of birth you signed a certificate for the right to be judged by most people around you, but TRY to remember that if you have a happy child, that is ALL THAT MATTERS!