Mommy Talk Tuesday (Mommy Friends!)

This week's Mommy Talk Tuesday is on Mommy Friends! How important is it to have fellow mommy friends? What are ways you have made mommy friends? What do you do about other moms who are judgmental towards your parenting style or try to push their parenting thoughts on you?
Being a SAHM I think it is very important to have fellow mommy friends. Friends in general are great, but when you become a mom, I think you need to find friends that are moms as well. Other moms know what you are going through, deal with the same issues, and don't mind talking about your kids. Face it, when we become parents, our conversations always turn back to our kid(s)! Not something a non-parent usually wants to always talk about. It is such a benefit having other moms as friends. They are a resource, someone to talk to, someone that understands.

After RC was born, I joined a local MOMS Club that is part of International MOMS Club. It has been such a great experience. I wanted a group that met all year and if there were dues, were not expense. I don't see the point in paying an arm and a leg for friends after all! :) The MOMS Club seem to be perfect. Low annual dues, meets all year, and is pretty laid back! It has been exactly what I needed to find other moms like me. I'm even president of our chapter now!

I can't really say that I have had anyone that has been judgmental about my parenting style or pushed their beliefs on me. I'd probably just let it go if I can't think of something good/nice to say back.  I do like what one friend said once when her daughter was having a meltdown after a long day at the grocery store. A lady stopped her and said "I used to carry lollipops with me for when my kids did this." My friend responded with "I don't believe in rewarding bad behavior" and continued on! I on the other hand probably wouldn't have come up with something that good to say. I probably would have just ignored her.

I think it is helpful when someone shares a parenting tip. You can usually tell when they are being nice and trying to be helpful or just plan being rude. We all parent differently and we should respect one's choices even if we don't think it is the 'right' way to do it.