Natural birth (score a point) or elective c-section
Breastfeed (score a point) or bottle
Attachment parenting or routines - tricky this one
Homemade (score a point) or jars
Organic (score a point) or not organic
Disposables or natural nappies (score a point)
Dummies or not (score a point)
Waiting 6 months to wean (score a point) or not
There was an article about this in the Times recently (so apologies for pilfering the idea) But it seems to me that parenting these days has become a board game, where whoever scores the most points wins (a virtuous pat on the back I think the prize is). By the way: just as a caveat, where I have said, score a point, it's not necessarily my view, but the views that seem to be commonly acceptable.
But I can't help thinking that no matter who you are or what you do, you justify what you do as right.
So being honest:
I breastfed both mine but not exclusively and only for about 4 or 5 months. My justification is that I couldn't get them full on just breast and at least I never had any problems transitioning them off boob to bottle
I had two natural births without pain relief and try to understand (and certainly pretend to) why others choose otherwise, but deep down I just think: you could have done it. Which I know is wrong but I'm being honest here.
I am a big fan of routines, but am quick to hold my baby to sleep if that's what it takes
I always cook homemade, never jars. I pride myself on making good meals for my kids but don't always think they have the best diet. Deep down I question whether people should use jars but I understand why they do.
Organic - not. Am just not fully convinced. I tend to buy organic kiddy snacks but not because they're organic, but because they are good snacks. I don't get why people are fanatical about this. I'm sure I will be convinced soon though.
Have never used a natural nappy in my life - am sure the world and environment is hating me for it, but I just can't face washing nappies on top of everything else I have to do.
No dummy with number one, dummy with number two and it's become a nightmare
Started weaning at about 5 months for both.
So I guess if you tally it up, I'm not brilliant, but not bad. But quite frankly, in general I feel like I'm doing a good job. Others might look at me in despair while others might think I'm some kind of tree hugging freak. I'm neither. Just a mum trying to raise happy, healthy kids. Secretly I do look at some mums at times and think that they're not doing the right thing - but we all do. What I would like is for us to all have a mutual appreciation for each other and stop giving each other a hard time.
I guess my point is: screw the scoreboard.