So many people have shared this, so I felt compelled to read it - TopicsExpress

So many people have shared this, so I felt compelled to read it and respond. First, the writer is one of my favorite online voices, especially when she uses the Honest Toddler pseudonym. Second, I get it. The elaborate birthday party themes and Pinterest parenting tips are so over-the-top these days (which is why I dont use Pinterest). But I have to say that I feel the title and some of the points rub me the wrong way, and heres why - I do many of the things she complains about because *I* enjoy the magic. I agree that simple childhood pleasure are magical, and that is a very important point. But adding to the everyday magic of childhood with activities and travel and excitement is wonderful too. Sometimes I feel like all these pressures parents feel these days are self-imposed, just like the Mommy Wars are often media-driven ploys for more clicks and shares. No one should be made to feel they must parent someone elses way, and theres no one really saying they should (expect people we shouldnt pay attention to anyway). Seeing both the everyday and the spectacular through my childrens eyes is what its all about for me, and I share their joy and excitement during special trips and activities because I want to, not because I think its necessary or a required part of childhood, not to be Pinterest-worthy, and theres absolutely nothing wrong with that.