The kindness of strangers: I used to hate being judged, but then a woman on a train praised my parenting
Briefly

Being a young mother often involves feeling judged, particularly in public settings like crowded trains. On one such occasion, a two-year-old was having a meltdown, and attempts to distract him were met with annoyance from onlookers. Amid the stress, an older woman offered reassurance with kind words, which provided immense comfort. This experience prompted a career as a midwife, focusing on supporting mothers in similar situations. Acknowledging that mothers receive less support in public, spreading kindness through encouragement remains crucial for lifting their spirits and alleviating stress.
When I was on a crowded train, my two-year-old son started losing it, but I kept him entertained with noises and games, though it annoyed some passengers.
An older lady next to me saw my stress and offered a comforting gesture, telling me I was doing a great job, which made a significant difference in my day.
As a midwife, I remember that woman's kindness and strive to offer encouragement to stressed mothers, reminding them that they are doing well.
Mothers face more scrutiny than fathers, and often a simple word of encouragement can drastically change how they feel in challenging situations.
Read at www.theguardian.com
[
|
]