Viewpoints9 Reveal Day

This newest Viewpoint 9 challenge came from the fertile mind of member Betty Busby:

So, my challenge to you is to think of a situation that needs to have a symbol to represent it-

and invent that symbol!

I auditioned several ideas...hygiene (discarded before it got 'icky'), road signage (been there, done that)...then several periodicals, along with their ubiquitous talking heads, arrived in the news within a very short interval.  Re-igniting an old problem of mine.  

     ARE YOU MOM ENOUGH!!???  REALLY¿??




Just when did being a mom become a competitive sport?  This magazine cover followed on the heels of Amy Chua's book...which was followed by a New York Times article about Wendy Murdoch (yep, Rupert's wife) consulting Chua on childrearing.  It was several columns in length with photos...Really, like this is news.  This simply feed the insecurity of mothers.

Granted I'm an old mom...and grand mom, for that matter, and this is probably another of those instances where my "generational" age shows.  But I think an informed mom can make her own decisions without being challenged into competition.

I have met mothers on five of seven continents, and I can say with some confidence that they all want to be the best moms they can be...even those who are poorly prepared and poorly supported.  We all want the best for our babies and do the very best we can.  

Now everyone ELSE (not experts by any means) has an opinion that they feel obliged to put forth.  It is one thing when your mother or your great-aunt feels entitled to give her advice...now it's everyone. 

Breastfeed.  Breastfeed for three months.  Don't breastfeed.  Solid food.  No solid food.  Circumcise.  Do not circumcise.  Juice.  No Juice.  Sleep in your bed.  Do not sleep in your bed.  Inoculate.  Do not inoculate.  Spank.  Don't you dare spank.  Get a job.  Stay at home.  Daycare.  No daycare.  Sports.  No contact sports.  And on and on.....   

It's time to step back.  Support, inform mothers....don't harass them.  This is NOT a competition.

I designed this simple symbol to indicate a safe zone.  "It's okay to nurse your baby here.  Or not.  We respect your desire to nurture your baby. You are the MOM!"