Stop Holiday Mom Shaming

Holidays on social media are brutal when you’re a mom. It seems no matter what you do, it’s too much or too little. The school day before Valentines day is the perfect example of holiday mom shaming (and it’s often moms shaming themselves).

Stop Holiday Mom Shaming

My Facebook feed looked something like this today:

Shame on you, Valentine.

How many hours did you waste preparing those Pinterest-perfect Valentines with the perfectly cut out hearts and hand-written calligraphy? You have to go bigger every year, ruining simple holidays for the rest of us.

I wish my Facebook feed looked something like this:

Way to go, Valentine.

You got your craft on and made the most beautiful Valentines. My kids barely look at the cards in their box, but they stared in awe at your beautiful creations.

Let’s Stop Mom Shaming wiValentines for Moms

Many of us felt the stress of the cost, time, and effort Valentines require. Some delighted in making them. Others groaned the entire time. None of us did Valentines Day the “right” way. So, I’ve made some Valentines just for moms. Way to Go, Valentine.

Try giving one of these Valentines to a mom this year (including yourself).

Shame on you, Valentine.  

You sent your child to school with some cardboard licensed characters gushing corny love notes. Did you even remember to add candy?

Way to go, Valentine.

A week of working, piano lessons, and hockey practice wore you out. Before you knew it, you were standing in the cleared out Valentines Day aisle at your local big box store staring down generic Valentines. At the end of the day, your kid happily signed her name and attached some conversation hearts.

Shame on you, Valentine.

You added candy to your valentines? Don’t you know to add pencils, erasers, stickers, or gluten-free crackers? Why are you so thoughtless?

Way to go, Valentine.

Your child loves candy more than anything and picked out those messy, sugary Fun Dips. His Valentines were perfect.

Shame on you, Valentine.

Your kid brought a candy-free Valentine and all of the other kids are disappointed. Why can’t you just be like the rest of  us?

Way to go, Valentine.

We are always losing pencils and the kids love getting them! Thanks for adding a Go-gurt. My son ate “lunch” before digging into his candy!

Shame on you, Valentine.

You let your kid come to school with those sloppy, homemade Valentines? Talk about a Pinterest fail.

Way to go, Valentine.

These Valentines are a labor of love and I can relate to the paper, glue, stickers, and glitter that ruled your kitchen table for a week. You  never thought she’d get them done, but she is thrilled with her work!

Shame on you, Valentine. 

You didn’t send Valentines at all? Mom fail.

Way to go, Valentine.

There’s no failure here. Sometimes our schedules, budget, or memories get the best of it. I bet no on even noticed. Happy Valentines Day.