The written word is a great way to get your thoughts, feelings, and knowledge out to the world. The problem that I'm sure we've all seen is that tone is not easily communicated with the written word. Many people have gotten in trouble by writing a sarcastic comment that was taken seriously, or been hurt by heartfelt words that were interpreted in a derisive manner.
The challenge here was to take a post that you had written in the past, and read it aloud, so that your tone would be interpreted comparably across the board. I chose a post from July of 2013. The Frazzled Parent Solidarity Signal started as a response to a mom I saw at Target. The funny thing is that at the time, I didn't know that mom. Since then, I've met her in person and gotten to know her. My feelings about that day haven't changed, though. She was simply a mom having a tough day and I wish I could have helped her.
Any tips on a hand signal we could all put to use?
I still want to try this myself. Maybe this weekend and thank you for reminding me today 😉
ReplyDeleteIt would be a fun weekend project...if you can keep the girls out of the frame! Mine go nuts when they see me using the video camera.
ReplyDeleteHaha. I've not seen that post of yours before. I've often found myself in the same boat, and it's sad that too often I just figure there is nothing I can do without possibly offending or seeming like a creepy stranger so I go about my day. No ideas on a hand signal, but really enjoyed this post. I enjoyed hearing you read it too...you should do that sometimes!
ReplyDeleteI love this, Rabia! Sometimes, I feel like people are judging me, but I always end up saying, "Screw it!'. I know I'm not the only mom that has seethed through gritted teeth at their kids, in public or worse, lol.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!!
ReplyDeleteAnd what a great previous post. If we are moms, we have been there. Oh, boy!!
I always try to offer a smile to a frazzled parent. Not that I was always this supportive, but after having been there and done that, the attitude changes quite a bit!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I love this!
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job at reading it - compelling. Your thoughts were funny and honest
ReplyDeleteOne of the nice things about being a "grand mother" is that I can ask the parent if they need a hand and they often say Yes.
ReplyDeleteAck!!! I wanted to participate in this challenge but somehow I didn't get added to the FB group and, when I remembered it, I was already a day behind amidst an insanely busy, upside down week! Anyway, Love you video & that post! I know exactly what you mean - want to help & commiserate, but not make it worse. We definitely need a "Serenity Now" can of hand signal that could become know in all mothering (and parenting) circles everywhere!
ReplyDeleteThere's just something about spoken word that brings our words alive. It's wonderful to read them don't get me wrong but hearing the intonation fluctuate along with the emotion behind the voice is nice. Neat idea and good delivery.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be great if there WERE some kind of international signal, something that showed you empathised and maybe also indicated that if they need help then you're there ...
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for a post. I love hearing your voice and yes please flash me the signal sometime. I will gladly take and give help when needed. Last week I was at Michaels and a young mom had a preschooler, a toddler and a baby with her. The preschooler sitting inside the cart somehow got the lid off the paint she had in the cart to buy and he had red smeared everywhere. I ran over with my wipes and started helping without being asked, because I would want some help in that case too!
ReplyDeleteLOVE! Love the message, love the post, love the reading. We definitely need a signal.
ReplyDeleteI love this, so much. Your reading and the words.
ReplyDeleteI think we could all use that reminder out there - that we're not alone. Because it's so hard to feel it, despite reading blogs and chatting online and all that. This is fantastic and a great reminder to give support to others out there struggling to get by! I always worry that the smile will look pitying, so I kind of try to give an "I know" somehow. This is it!
There's a fine line between a creepy stranger and a helpful one! Especially if you're already stressed out!
ReplyDeleteI think I've decided I'd rather be judged for being too strict than for being too permissive. Most of the time, anyway.
ReplyDeleteGood to know so many moms have been there! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteNo kidding! They say the only perfect parents are those who don't have kids yet!
ReplyDelete:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol! I was in a bit of a hurry and ended up starting it about six times, but it turned out fine in the end.
ReplyDeleteThat's an awesome perk of growing older!
ReplyDeleteI got way behind on the challenge, but I managed to bump something else out of the way to go for it. It was fun and you don't need the challenge to just do it!
ReplyDeleteThanks! The hardest part was figuring out where to put my paper for maximum readability and eye contact!
ReplyDeleteI would love that! It's nice to know that other moms are feeling your pain when there's a public tantrum brewing!
ReplyDeleteOH NO!!! Good thing you had those wipes with you!! Shopping with kids is such a pain. Especially when you have "one quick errand" to run; It never turns out well.
ReplyDeleteWe need a signal and then a social media campaign to let everyone know about it! And then a free pamphlet in all the hospitals around the country!!
ReplyDeleteI know I have an amazing online support system, but not so much in real life. I have a few close friends, but not people I get to see on a regular basis because we're all moms with full plates.
ReplyDeleteWell, I really really liked this post AND I really really liked hearing you read it. There have been times that I have wanted other moms to know I get it without overstepping my boundaries. I wish there were some sort of universal parent signal for this! I think there need to be one.
ReplyDeleteI subscribe to the village theory of child rearing, but I know there are people who don't. That's what always worries me about stepping in.
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