An Instagram Frenzy

I posted a picture on Instagram last night that got A LOT of people up in arms.  In the comments I was told I'm a bad mother, I was told that someone should take my baby away from me... well, there were many things.  There were actually SO MANY hurtful things that I just wanted to take the picture down.  But why?  I'm not ashamed of the picture.  I'm not embarrassed by what's happening in the picture.  So I left it.  Here's what I'm talking about:

This is real life, folks, and this picture is awesome to me.  No, I don't think it's awesome that Poe is wearing the safety harness, and NO, I don't think it's awesome that she's crying.  It's awesome because THIS is Poesy.  Poesy is a crier.  Poesy is a screamer.  Poesy is extremely strong willed and determined.  She is fast, adventurous, curious, intelligent, rambunctious, and all-around amazing.  I love these things about her.  She is 1 out of the 3 most important people in my life.  You know, I got a lot of guff (insults) last night for this safety harness (or "leash" as we like to joke), but I would do it all again, exactly the same way.  When we are swimming she will be wearing a life jacket.  When we are in the car she will be in a car seat.  I know there are a lot of mothers that don't agree with these harnesses, but I am her parent and I will do my best to protect her when I can.  For me, this includes a safety harness when the occasion calls for it.

I typically just delete hateful comments from Instagram and look the other way, but I think it's important for people to be able to read back on these particular comments.  I am a firm believer in A) having confidence in what you believe to be right for your child, and B) building up and encouraging other moms.  Saying something in a constructive way when there is safety in question is one thing, but coming down on another mother (for whatever reason) is completely counterproductive.  Honestly, how often is someone called to the "other side" of a debate by being degraded? 

Being a mom is a hard job, guys.  No one has all the answers, but I know that the choices I make for my daughters will always be carefully thought out, and come from a place of pure love.  They won't always be popular (ahem... home school), but that's okay.

You know your baby better than anyone else, and if your kiddo is safe and happy, what else really matters?


**I'm disabling commenting on this post, but I appreciate those of you who have agreed with me on this topic, and I appreciate those of you who have disagreed with me on this topic and stated your opinion with maturity.