The Dilemma

Words & Photography
by Madina Matters



Ok, here's a dilemma: in the street you see a mom wearing her baby in a sling, but the way she does it is quite unsafe for the baby (from your point of view). You: a) make a comment; or, b) silently pass by.

A year ago I would probably decide to "help" her, but by now I have felt often enough what it is like to be judged by others about every decision you make as a parent. You eat meat or you don't; you breastfeed or you don't; you throw your babies up in the air or you are afraid they might fall off any surface. In any of these cases someone will have an opinion of his or her own that needs to be shared.

A year ago I would probably decide to "help" her, but by now I have felt often enough what it is like to be judged by others about every decision you make as a parent. 

So regarding that woman with the sling, today I silently passed by. She must know best what's good for her child, and probably doubts herself as a mother enough.