The Mom Pledge: I'll Meet You in the Field

My bloggy friend, MandyE wrote this great post the other day about being supportive to mamas, whether we agree with one another or not--avoiding the "mama wars" that are out there.

This led to me Holly's post about The Mom Pledge (see below).

The Mom Pledge

I am proud to be a mom. I will conduct myself with integrity in all my online activities. I can lead by example.

I pledge to treat my fellow moms with respect. I will acknowledge that there is no one, "right" way to be a good mom. Each woman makes the choices best for her family.

I believe a healthy dialogue on important issues is a good thing. I will welcome differing opinions when offered in a respectful, non-judgmental manner. And will treat those who do so in kind.

I stand up against cyber-bullying. My online space reflects who I am and what I believe in. I will not tolerate comments that are rude, condescending or disrespectful.

I refuse to give those who attack a platform. I will remove their remarks with no mention or response. I can take control.

I want to see moms work together to build one another up, not tear each other down. Words can be used as weapons. I will not engage in that behavior.

I affirm that we are a community. As a member, I will strive to foster goodwill among moms. Together, we can make a difference.

Isn't that lovely?

So, I have to admit. When I first read it, I was pumped and enthusiastic. Mama cheerleader. I quickly tucked my pompoms away in shame when I realized that I had broken this:

I refuse to give those who attack a platform. I will remove their remarks with no mention or response. I can take control.

I've written two separate posts calling out my anonymous commenters. I, not only gave them a platform, I gave them my time, my emotional energy, and I added negativity to my niche of the Internet and just to the world in general.

Don't get me wrong. I believe everything I said about saying negative, hurtful things under the guise of anonymity. Those people are bullies and jerks.  

But--fighting negativity with negativity is wrong. I was a jerk. I was wrong.

So--I am pledging. All negative comments will be deleted without acknowledgement or blog post :)

I pledge to be kind.

I pledge to do no harm.

I pledge to love.

I pledge to try super hard not to be a jerk.

Whether I agree with you or not.

We all share in a common experience: mothering.

Cloth diapers vs. Disposable

Breastmilk vs. Formula

Vaccines

Television

Sleep training

There are so many things to think about when you're a mama. It's overwhelming and exhausting. But--we all, every one of us, is doing the best we can for our families. We're all connected by strands in this big web of mothering; we belong to each other.

Out beyond the ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I will meet you there. ~Rumi

Will you join me, and take the pledge too?