The time I briefly considered tackling another mom.

I have a very confident, outgoing and energetic kid who has a large personality. While I may be a bit biased, I'm very happy he is that way. Growing up, Blake was very shy. I was very much like Brady but had a shy side as well. It's something I love about him and love that he's so confident in who he is and pray he can keep that confidence through life. What parent wouldn't want that for their child?

I took Brady to the park this evening in hopes to get him worn out and to get us out of the house for a bit. It's a small park and it's one of the parks we go to because it's close to our house. It was pretty crowded when we got there after dinner which I was hoping we would avoid so that anyone could potentially ask me questions about when this kid is coming out (because at the moment, it's my least favorite question!)

Brady was being a typical rambunctious two year old running around. He was being a bit leery going down the slide and he wanted me to hold his hand as he went down the slide, which he normally doesn't do. I kept saying how he was being silly today while he was talking up a storm to himself or the other kids there. He was being a bit 'bossy' to another kid telling him to go down 'that slide!"  Meanwhile, a woman was near us with her son who probably about two as well, maybe a bit younger than Brady. We had been there a while and my child was by far the most talkative. That's just my kid. What can I say, he takes after his momma?

The mom asked me how old he was and I responded, "2 1/2''
 She looked at me like I had 4 heads and goes, 'oh, wow, he's tall.''
Me: yes, he's always been on the tall side'
Lady: "do you homeschool him?"
Me: I look at her confused because well, he's two! I mentioned he might go to preschool in the fall but he usually spends his week with his grandparents and our sitter.
Lady: 'oh, that's probably why he's different.'

She walks away after her kid and I sat there speechless.

I sat there for a minute processing what she had just said. For a half-second, thought nothing of it. Then, my 39 week pregnant self who is already crabby envisioned myself tackling her in a very unladylike way.

The more I thought about it, the more I found myself angered. It wasn't because she said something about my child but more so that she felt the need to say it. We live in a world where everything is judged by everyone, especially parenting. I have never understood this part of motherhood and I don't think any of us enjoy it so why does it continue?

I thought about going over to her and but I let it go because really, it was just a random comment and I could care less what others think of my parenting skills or what kind of choices I make as a parent. I am confident in the parent that I am and there is no one that could make me second guess what kind of mom I am. Two and a half years later, I can say that but I know not all moms can say that with sheer confidence.  I am sure that two years ago, I would have been offended or upset but her comment but instead, I took it as a compliment.

My kid is different. I've done my job as a mom to instill confidence and individuality into my son and I'm proud of that. Different is good.

Later on, I read this. It sums it up all too well when she says, "I'm a parent who tries."

Exactly.