This post is a response to Jacinta Tynan's article Mothers Superior in Sunday Life (link not currently available).
Do you find the world of 'mummy bloggers' judgmental? Do you think the world is judgmental in general?
As a society we seem to have found ourselves on a path that suggests that when someone has made a particular choice that's 'right for them' you are discouraged from expressing your own opinion about it lest you be judged as judgmental... ironically. To me, there should be a distinction made between using your judgement and being judgmental.
I think that when you have divergent opinions it's good to agree to disagree, but you have to get the 'disagreement' bit out in order to that. I don't consider an opinion that differs to my own to automatically mean that you are "judgmental", I really don't. If you do things differently to me and want to let me know why, please do. Just come out with it, I can take it and I promise I won't call you superior, vitriolic, spiteful or berating!
I hold strong about the way we parent the Tsunamis but I know our way isn't the only way. I also understand that some people are more black and white about the world in general than I am and I respect that people often do express themselves very firmly (even a little harshly) when they are talking about matters that mean a whole lot to them. I don't have a problem with that, in fact I encourage it - when something riles you, it riles you and it's okay to express that. Life isn't always about holding hands and singing Kumbayah (fortunately).
It's good for the heart and the head to hear different views and I sincerely believe that the best way to parent is to find out as much as you can about all kinds of parenting styles and then be open to new ways of doing things. Healthy debate is the best way I know to discover what you really believe in. And one thing I know for sure is that it certainly isn't fair to brand everyone with an opinion that differs to your own as 'judgmental'.
Do you think there is a difference between using judgement and being judgmental? Do you feel judged by fellow bloggers? Does it bother you either way?
___________________________________________________________________