Life presents motherhood as one of its highest expressions of beauty and gratification for women. The journey to motherhood brings an unforeseen challenge to numerous women in the form of public criticism, known as mom shaming. Women already facing the struggles of motherhood encounter additional pressure from unsolicited judgment and criticism from family members, other parents, and even strangers. Through her book, Lesley Prosko illuminates the damaging culture surrounding motherhood and helps women embrace their individual parenting styles by discarding both guilt and anxiety.
What is Mom Shaming?
The practice of mom shaming appears across a spectrum of behaviors, including both concealed disapproving commentary about parenting decisions and outright condemnations targeted at a mother’s choices. People express their judgment toward mothers who employ bottle-feeding by giving them disapproving looks, and social media users frequently criticize different parenting approaches. The incorrect assumption that there is only one correct way to raise children triggers this behavior.
The most stringent scrutiny moms endure comes from their fellow mothers, who seem to judge women with unwarranted criticism. Multiple conflicts arise between moms who choose to stay home versus those who work outside the home, between moms who breastfeed versus those who use formula, and between moms who follow strict parenting approaches versus those who adopt gentle parenting methods.
The Emotional Toll of Mom Shaming
Motherhood produces an emotional journey that most people typically experience. When subjected to unceasing judgment, mothers often develop feelings of inadequacy along with guilt and anxiety. Most mothers constantly doubt their efforts, regardless of the dedication they put into parenting. Judgmental attitudes trigger self-doubt, making mothers question whether they are making the right choices for their children.
In her book, Lesley Prosko examines how external pressures result in detrimental effects on mental health and self-confidence. The text advocates for building supportive environments that encourage mothers to uplift one another instead of fostering continuous discouragement.
Breaking the Cycle of Judgment
So how do we stop the cycle of mom shaming? It starts with a shift in perspective. Every child is different, and every mother has her own unique set of challenges. Instead of judging, we should be offering support, encouragement, and understanding.
Here are some ways we can help end mom shaming:
- Practice Empathy: Recognize that every mother is doing her best with the resources and knowledge she has.
- Stop the Comparisons: No two parenting journeys are the same, and that’s okay.
- Choose Encouragement Over Criticism: If you see a mom struggling, offer a kind word instead of a critique.
- Be Mindful on Social Media: Think before commenting on another parent’s post—would you say the same thing to them in person?
Closing Thoughts
Mom shaming is a harmful and unnecessary part of modern parenting culture. Instead of tearing each other down, mothers need to build each other up. Lesley Prosko’s book is a powerful reminder that there is no perfect way to be a mom—only the way that works best for you and your child. It’s time to replace judgment with compassion and create a world where all moms feel supported, valued, and confident in their choices.