I've finally start making friends that share similar values.
It's so... Validating in terms of the way I parent my children.
People that want to create themselves what their baby wears. People that makes food from scratch, or encourage a local enterprise that does food from scratch. People that joyfully learn me how to knit.
People that have their child's best interest in mind, constantly reading on the subject, with a strong will to do the best job they possibly can at being a mom.
A 60"next to a 54" mattress right on the floor? Normal.
Toddler joining family bed at night? Normal.
Just the concept of a family bed? Normal.
Oh, and how I enjoy this new normal!
My heart pinch as I see my friend's 2 year old asking for mama milk, when Mariann stopped wanting it at 10 month old. I tell to myself.. If only I had some support.... Things would have been different! But now I'm glad I can freely talk without being rejected for marginality. I found I have very strong opinion on hot topics, and find myself preferring to keep my mouth shut in regular mommy groups because it's not worth trying to be heard.
New friends are freedom, and I like it.
I recently started following your beautiful blog, and this rings so, so, true to me. I live in a small, Midwestern town that isn't very supportive of alternative parenting and schooling, and it can really be discouraging. It makes me want to just keep to myself and never share the cool new things I'm learning. Luckily I have one very supportive sister in law to confide in, and feel that same liberation you're describing. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch little sweeties! You know what's best for your wee ones. So glad you've found someone to share with :)
ReplyDeleteI'm really happy for you! I feel the same way. I live in far up North of Montreal and words like: co sleeping, breastfeeding past 6 months, co breastfeeding and more...I just, always, get blank stare. So I learn to shut up too...But you always wish you had someone, not just over the internet, to share with, to connect. In "normal" mamas group, I just dont fit in...so I am very very glad for you that you have found a "soul sista" ;)
ReplyDeleteA friend author of the blog dans les bras d'adèle shared this great post with me.
ReplyDeleteit is so true that it feels amazing when you finally meet like minded parents. we have to find our TRIBE. raising children in a nuclear family setting is just not natural. Family may be far so friends are realy important.
I am so glad you found your tribe and keep up living as you feel resonates with your inner self.
Au plaisir,
Joanna
That's wonderful that you've found like minded families to spend time with! I love these pictures. :) My friend, Kate, has a blog that I think you would really enjoy:
ReplyDeletehttp://povertyjane-povertyjane.blogspot.com/
She shares her journey with her children on her blog, and I believe you share the same ideas on parenting. :)
Aw, that's so sweet :)
ReplyDeleteYess! A group of normal mamas in a strange world...
ReplyDeleteAndréann, this is so wonderful to read! I have very few friends like me where I am... which means I don't have very many friends at all. But to be able to be with just one friend who understands you and what you are doing, who doesn't look at you like you're growing horns when you talk, is a beautiful thing!
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