It’s OK.

Whilst reading the Amoris Laetitia, this sentence really struck a cord: “We need to free ourselves from feeling that we all have to be alike.”

This undoubtedly comes into play in terms of parenthood. We need to stop comparing ourselves to the other parents and families.

For example, feeling inadequate because our child isn’t at the same developmental stage of our friend’s child. As a society, we must recognize that having different parenting styles is OK. Yes, there are some hard and fast lines, which we cannot cross if it jeopardizes the safety and well being of children, but I am talking about the more personal choices. From brands of baby stuff and childcare, to nutrition and the usage of electronics.

Obviously this transcends into every facet of our lives, and really minimizes the validity of our judgments of others and ourselves.

I think we just need to realize, being different is OK.

After all, isn’t that what we are supposed to be teaching our children?