Last week I was criticized for my improper use of seat belts after posting a picture of the kids in the car on facebook.
I wrote a post the next day explaining why I got a little defensive.
And the person who made the comment took a little bit of a beating from other readers.
But she didn’t back down.
I’ve been thinking a lot about that whole thing.
I’m not really happy with how I handled the whole situation.
I did get defensive.
Why?
Well, because I want to think that I am doing what’s best for my kids.
All the time.
I work my ass off.
I try to feed my kids healthy meals.
Make sure they are active.
Limit tv time.
Teach them right from wrong.
To be respectful and polite.
And right when I think I’m doing a pretty good job,
someone points out that, at least in one area,
I’m not.
And it doesn’t feel good.
In fact, it feels really bad.
But she was right.
I have not been keeping my kids as safe as I could be in the car.
Since that comment, I have been checking the seat belts a little more carefully.
There is a section on the kids’ report card that says “accepts responsibility.”
When you walk into the Y, there are 4 big banners hanging in the gym, and one of them has the word “responsibility” on it.
Being responsible is something I have been trying to teach my kids to do.
But I didn’t do it myself.
So,
Car Seat Nazi,
I would first like to apologize.
I wish I had responded to you differently.
Making mistakes doesn’t make me a bad mother.
But refusing to look at those mistakes or change an unhealthy behavior?
Well, that doesn’t make me a great one.
So secondly,
thank you.
Today I am a better mom because of you.
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Well said. I’m a car seat stickler myself, but I liked and appreciated your post about not being so judgmental. We’re all moms just trying to do the best we can. No one likes to be told they’re sucking in one department. Kudos to you for stepping up and taking responsibility. Being too judgmental and owning up to what I could do better, are both things I need to work on! Thanks for sharing!
woohoo! personal growth and car seat safety. your kids are lucky kids!
Though it was a shame the post of a cute picture took such a negative turn, I too have found myself checking the seat belt situation in my car more closely since reading it. Truthfully, I didn’t really know what was the correct placement, so I too would like to thank the Car Seat Nazi for the information;). And btw love this post today!!
What a great example you are to your children and those of us who read your blog. It takes a lot of character to admit when we have stumbled and to apologize and thank those who point out what we could be doing better. Thanks for all of your posts. They make me laugh, cry, feel good about myself, and make me think!!
So glad to read this post! Car seat safety, and other similar issues, are so tricky. If you say something, you come across as judgmental, even though at the end of the day child safety should be the paramount issue.
Way to be the bigger person!