Society is a funny thing. As much as we have evolved and changed with the times, there are still some people who are a tad close-minded. Stigmas still surround us every day. As much as I believe that every single person is different and unique, judgement exists around every corner.

Being a parent is one of the most judged jobs on the planet. We all think we are doing it right even when someone else is doing it differently. But that really is the beauty of it, isn’t it? Parenting, like any thing else, can be done a gazillion different ways and not be wrong.

We are all made up of beautiful flaws that are trying our damned best to raise tiny humans that tell us no every 3 seconds, shit their pants in restaurants and give us the unconditional love that cannot be matched. And we get on alright. Of course, we’d get on better without the constant judging and scoffs and out loud comments from any one that doesn’t like or agree with how we are parenting our children.

We have raised our boys to acknowledge the differences in all walks of life that make up our society. And to know that different isn’t bad or wrong, it’s just different. Different is beautiful. I’m proud to say that they have grasped this concept with open arms. But we all still experience ugliness in our lives towards us, our parenting style, or our beliefs.

Being a mom of 4 means I have had plenty of time for those comments to be thrown my way. And even more so because I am tattooed and pierced. As widely accepted as these things are becoming, the acceptance is only surface deep for at least half of the people out there.

I get out loud comments about me and my piercings to my face while people walk passed me in public, scoffs, even silent judgement by friends or family, even, because I am a pierced and tattooed stay at home mom.

Guess what? In my opinion, for facing diversity anywhere, it has made me a better mom. Because my boys know nothing different. I have never changed, ever, so this is what they know. They also know the story behind my piercings. They know that I was a straight A student my whole life and among all the kids that surrounded me that were drinking and doing drugs, sneaking out and lying to their parents, all I wanted was a couple piercings. And those are the ones I still have 17 years later.

Contrary to popular (although shrinking) belief, moms and dads that have body modifications of any kind are still AMAZING parents. I’ll say it again for the people in the back, WE ARE ROCKING PARENTHOOD!

I feel that having to face such negativity everyday for the way I chose to look is something that makes me such a stronger person and a great mom. My boys are thriving in a world where different is normal and learning that despite what people may say or think or imply, passing judgement is unnecessary so stop doing it like it’s your job, Susan!

Push through the boundaries, continue being the amazing parent that you are, treat your body the way YOU want to treat it or decorate it or display it and make a powerful statement! The next time you look towards a parent that is doing it differently, silence that instant judgy comment that may be creeping into your head, smile, and move the hell on.

Parenting is hard enough without all the crap that shouldn’t be a part of it anyways.

That is how I do parenting. Keep on keepin’ on, moms and dads. You’re doing an awesome job…. and you look good too!

xoxo Raisin’ hell and gentlemen,
Rockin’ motherhood Mama