Comments on: The Mummy Wars

By: Reason A Bubble

Reason A Bubble — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 17:46:55 +0000

Yeah it’s a strange one that’s for sure. My missus, much as I love her, seemed to believe the magic of child birth somehow endowed her with the ability to know what’s what on every topic known to humanity. Seems like she forgot that there’s 6 billion people on the planet and child birth hadn’t just been invented. I put it down to fear of the unknown mixed with new found paternal concern for her child’s future.

When I jokingly mentioned that we’d just spent our lifetime supply of carbon credits on having the baby and that global warming was actually a by-product of exponential human population growth she attempted to beat me within in an inch of my life. Imagine if I’d mentioned my theories on the Governments desire to trap us in their tax system with baby bonuses and first home buyers grants etc. Ahhh the joys of family living.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:00:59 +0000

You know what though… I think I agree with the heart of this article, but the example given is a bad one in my mind. As an ‘extended breast feeder’ any person, woman or not, who says that extended breast feeding is ‘revolting’ is going to cop it from me. Maybe not a quote from the WHO – but a stern “what I do in the best interest of my son isn’t for you to comment on” or something to that effect. I dont intend on convincing anyone, but anyone who wants to tell me something I do with my son is ‘revolting’ is going to upset me. It may not be ideal, I could possibly summond the strength from the air to be calm, cool and collected and just let the resentment that someone accused me of being revolting fester inside – or I can let them know I really didn’t appreciate that comment. A friends husband was at my house at my birthday party recently and when I casually pulled down my shirt to feed my 9 month old son he exclaimed “OMG you cant be serious!” disgust dripping in his voice. I was utterly appauled at his lack of respect and self control in my home. I didn’t say anything. He will never be welcome in my home again though. End of story.

Also remember mothers are over worked, utterly exhausted, sleep deprived and getting screamed at by our own children day in day out – so SOMEONE has to cop all that pebnt up frustration and unfortunately its whoever wants to disagree with us!

I totally agree woman need to stand together, stop bickering, stop comparing, stop critising, stop quoting the magical ‘they’ who know everything about everything (you know “they say more than 1hr a day of television will increase your childs likelihood of developing ADHD by 10%” was the pearl of wisdom I was given today…. thanks for that random stranger…)because we’re all in highly reactive states of mind. Make a judgement or offer ‘unwanted advice’ and we’re gonna get our backs up.

I’m very careful when talking to other mothers not to offer advice unless specifically asked for it, because its rarely helpful.

By: Jane

Jane — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 05:04:34 +0000

Way to support youer wife, over something she put many years into. If that happened to you, and some criticised something you believed very much and thought was best for your family, wouldn’t you be upset? I would and I didn’t even breast feed.

Women can’t get upset about anything? they should just smile and go about their day. Women arn’t the only competitive people, some men are too, only they are competeing over who has the best car. I know what I would rather direct my energies into.

Do you know what misogynist means?

By: THINKIES

THINKIES — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:31:26 +0000

I’m with you on this one!
It’s not just mothers in battle though – it’s women at war with each other. Picking each other to bits, dragging each other down, repressing ourselves.

Growing, nurturing and raising a child is a hard journey and one that would be so much easier if we supported each other.

Every child is different as is every parenting experience – all that any of us can do is what feels right for us and our families and allow others to do the same without judgment.

No child or parent is perfect – none of us get it 100% right 100% of the time and what is right for me may be wrong for you any way –
I hope for a day when we start holding back on the negativity and try a little support for a change, I’m sure we would all be better for it.

By: mamafi

mamafi — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 10:47:35 +0000

all I know is that Albert Einstein sure wasnt sitting at home watching Baby Einstein DVD’s – he turned out ok.

By: Katrina

Katrina — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:13:51 +0000

If it helps to assauge your guilt, you might like to know that there was a study that showed baby’s who watched Baby Einstein had on average 20 fewer words in their vocabulary than babies who didn’t. I’m sure the study will change next week, but maybe you were doing your little one a favour.

By: simone

simone — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 03:04:35 +0000

i like what you are saying and i like the way you say it.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:19:24 +0000

I agree with you and your wife about that book. I loved the book but couldn’t stand the way Tsiolkas depicted the women in the story.

By: certified dad

certified dad — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:46:25 +0000

I agree the wars/ attacks aren’t good for anyone. But (!) I am critical of parents that don’t think through what is best for them and their child and just go with a fad/ trend/ competition/ keeping up with others / embarrassment.

By: Maz

Maz — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 07:17:38 +0000

Totally agree with you on this one! To be VERY honest with you I was one of those happily breastfeeding mothers who DID look down on bottle feeding mumma’s. Yes I know shame on me.