We judge, yes, but keep opinions to yourself

If you're a 'mummy blogger' reader, or probably even any mainstream media reader at all, you'd have read about the backlash surrounding the (pretty insane) comments of Pru Goward. If not, you read all about it here. I know I'm a little late jumping on the bandwagon and it'll be old news soon enough, but while it's still being talked about I just wanted to add my two cents. 

Like 100% of the responses I've heard, I support Jackie (Golly, if she's going down then so are the rest of us). Actually, make that 99.9% as I did read one ridiculous comment on a parenting board from a mum who agreed with Pru's comments. At the end of the day I feel like this whole thing is more a reflection on the kind of person Pru Goward is than the mother in Jackie O.

If you ask me, this is a lesson in when not to speak up and not about what to think or not to think. We can't tell Pru not have thoughts but we can ask her to keep them private. Because, let's be honest, we all judge (no matter how perfect a mother you claim to be!). Sadly, when it comes to mothering, I truly think the worst culprits of judging a mum, are other mums. Just putting it out there. It's the thing I most loathe about motherhood. I hate being (openly) judged as much as the next mummy but it seems to come with the territory. Wouldn't it be nice if those that pass on their opinions could learn to keep their mouths shut?

So long as the judgment is not passed on and kept private, it's not about being a mean or 'bad' person and it's ok. It's about opinions and we all have them. That's the beauty of having your own mind. You can think as you please. Even if you try, as I do, to think kindly about others (esp mums) there are PLENTY of times that you're going to think, "gee that's not how I'd do it" etc, etc. In other words, it's normal. It's what you do with these thoughts that defines you as a person. It's also about realising, accepting and embracing the notion that different does not mean better or worse. Each to their own, it's a good motto to remember!

What matters is NOT saying anything. NOT responding and NOT passing verbal, written (or otherwise) judgment. Just keep it to yourself and all will be well. Just as Pru should have done. We can't blame her for having an opinion, it's human nature and agree or disagree (disagree, for the record), she is entitled. Her mistake was speaking up and really, little kindness wouldn't have hurt.