Everyone is Talking
About David Schwimmer, one of our fave ‘Friends’.
Why do I care?
He’s using his influence to bring attention to the conversation of harassment in a new PSA series called #ThatsHarrassment.
Tell me more.
The American version of the series was launched in April 2017 featuring celebs like Cynthia Nixon and Bobby Cannavale. Six months later, the Harvey Weinstein scandal broke. Yesterday, Schwimmer was featured on TODAY sharing why the topic of harassment is close to his heart.
His mother was a lawyer who experienced it in the workplace and he is now raising a daughter.
“With my daughter, it’s more about just knowing it’s your body and your space. It’s more about personal space and building confidence in her to speak out and speak up if anything she encounters makes her feel uncomfortable, period. Her body, her hair, it’s hers. She owns it. It’s giving her the courage and confidence to speak up and speak out.”
slow. clap.
We could not agree more and love that he is committed to this ongoing conversation.
That’s What She Said
We’ve all been there, in the midst of an epic fail as a parent and it’s the worst feeling. Knowing you’ve failed your kids in some way can plague your thoughts. How it will impact my child in the future? But the truth is, parenting isn’t clear-cut, there are always going to be parenting wins and sadly, epic failures.
Not all hope is lost.
According to psychoanalyst and pediatrician D.W. Winicott, it’s some of those failures that will help your kids see that making mistakes is part of life. It’s beneficial for your children to understand that life isn’t always perfect and making mistakes is human nature.
Does this mean we shouldn’t self-reflect in these moments of less than stellar parenting and see where we can improve? Absolutely not. Taking action on some of these things is another valuable lesson we can teach our kids – that perfection isn’t possible but learning from mistakes is worth the time and effort.
So take heart, go a little easier on yourself when those #parentfails happen. It’s likely your kids will gain valuable life skills in the process.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
Earlier this month, mother Brianna Bell posted on Facebook her ‘before’ photo as a start to a renewed commitment to self-care. But, it wasn’t your typical ‘before’ caption. Brianna took that time to honor her ‘before’ and we dig her perspective.
In the post, she shares that she wants to honor the body that has carried and given birth to three children and seen them through the first years of their lives with strength. She wants to give credit to the strength it takes to carry those babies whereever they need to go. And, she went on to say,
“I want to remember my legs. The legs that were once thick with muscle when I ran each day in high school. These legs that have chased defiant children through the mall. Legs that have pumped high in the air on a swing, both as a child and as a mother, always carefree, my head tilted back to the sky.
And, I want to remember this brain. The brain that has told me, “You deserve this treat, your day was hard.” The brain that has said, “You’re worthless and ugly.” I want to remember this brain, the one that has ruled my thoughts and my life, through the good and the bad.
This is my “before”. My body is a vessel, and this year I haven’t treated it the way it deserves.”
How many of us could do with a little more commitment to self-care? How many of us could do with a little more credit where it is due?
{raises hand}
According to Ered Massie, LCSW self-care doesn’t have to include big actions and gestures. It’s as simple as a renewed commitment to eating well, getting rest, or a weekly self-care action. This will look different for everyone. Indulge in a bath, get up a little earlier to have a cup of coffee in sweet silence, or treat yourself to a pedicure. Consider taking a page out of this mom’s book and plan a once a month date with yourself – head to the next town and browse shops or visit a dear friend.
Making self-care a priority will make you a better parent. Self-care is not selfish, it is necessary.
Parting Thoughts
We love when parents keep it real. Mother Playlist on Twitter has got it right. Some of our fave tweets?
“For science… how many bananas will you have to consume because your toddler demanded them and then refused to eat them?”
“*googles “how to get a flat tummy after pregnancy” while eating a sleeve of Oreo cookies.”
“Paparazzi yelling my name for a picture on the red carpet, but it’s just my kids screaming for snacks when I walk into the room.”
“I love my 4yo. But when she yells “mom your legs are so hairy!” in the middle of a crowded mall, I have no choice but to deny all relation.”
Good stuff.
DID YOU ENJOY WHAT YOU READ? PLEASE SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS! HELP GROW THE VILLAGE.
Did we miss a great story? Email us at theparents@trendingparent.com