This started as a 'no topic' post, until I was pissed off on facebook.

I haven't bothered with this in over a month. Simply because I much rather live in a moment with my children. I prefer to be present. I'm only sitting down to this because my Facebook page keeps informing I have views still coming in. Why disappoint? I had started this with no topic in mind and quickly found myself erasing it because I found a topic. A parenting topic. A topic about what IS and ISN'T 'appropriate' for children. Thank you Facebook for never disappointing me with ignorance to find a topic.

Now, if you're a reader of my blog, you know I am not one who judges parenting. I believe in the term 'mind ya business' unless a child is in harms way or putting others in harm. This post is in NO way to judge and it comes off like that, it's because I'm still steaming over the post itself. So, here we go. The status I am writing this off, is about letting a child watch horror movies. Is this appropriate? According to the poster, No way is this okay! In fact, they claim child protective services were called over a child watching a horror movie and mentioning it in school. Folks, this is ridiculous. DHS will not get involved in your life over a movie. I mean, unless you're sitting them down with some porn flick or they're trying to act out what they saw on tv. Neither of these cases are likely. If you're child is watching porn, you're a Pedofile and yes, DHS will be called. If your child watches Halloween and starts bringing a knife and mask to school, Yes, You probably failed somewhere along the lines in judging them being mature enough to watch it.

Judgement, that is the real topic of this post. As a parent, it's all judgement calls. Before we have children, we seem to think we know best.We read articles, we read the internet, listen to others, even talk to doctors. They tell us that kids need to have 3 square meals a day, limit the television and vaccinate your kids. Well, okay. PLEASE vaccinate your children. (but hey, if you don't, I wont judge you!) Here's the thing. Our kids are not the same. Even siblings aren't the same. We are made to think that their is a right or wrong way to parent. SPOILER ALERT: guys.. their isn't a wrong way to parent. As long as you're not doing lines off a table in front of them or beating them, you're probably doing a good job.

Every part of being a parent involves judgement. What to feed them?, What to dress them in? When is a good bed time? As your child gets older, you have more difficult judgement calls to make. Are they old enough to be introduced to nerf guns? Are they old enough to watch that movie? Are they mature enough to make a decision themselves? These questions become more difficult because they are humans, they aren't meant to fit into a mold anyone gives them.(I used these examples because my children aren't old enough for REAL tough judgement calls) My 4 year old plays with nerf guns, and even has a BB gun. Some of you will judge me. I don't care. I made the judgement call that he is old enough. Is your 4 year old ready for it? Maybe. Who knows. Your kid and mine are different!

Guess what? All of my kids are allowed to dress themselves. I've made the judgement call that they can make that decision. This means that sometimes, my 2 year old leaves the house in mix matched shoes when we go to the store. That is HIS judgement call. (insert a laughing emoji here). All judgement is made within reason of course. As a responsible parent, no they don't go out in shorts in the middle of a snow storm or dress inappropriate when it truly matters. Some of you sweat the small stuff too much and that takes the fun out of being a parent.

Now back to the horror movie thing. Would I let my 4 year old watch a horror movie? No, probably not. My judgement tells me he's too young. Do I let him watch some things that aren't in his age range? Yes. They need to be subjected to more than paw patrol and PJ mask. (again, this is my opinion) When he's 11 and asking 'Hey Mom, can I watch that slasher movie with you?', I will make the judgement on if he is truly ready for that. I can't make the decision now. He may be mature enough by then, he may not! How can you pre determine your child's maturity level? Or say they can't because 'the film says nobody under 13'. That is a GENERAL recommendation. Not something you HAVE to follow. As I keep saying, it's your child. That movie probably wont put them in harms way. Even if you decide to let them watch the horror and they get a nightmare.. here's a secret.. they'll survive that nightmare too.

I see too much judgement on facebook over OTHER PARENTS JUDGEMENT CALLS. Why are you so concerned if I decide to feed my kid ice cream for dinner? If you don't think your child should have dessert for dinner sometimes, DON'T do it. It really is that simple. I will never judge a parent for deciding their kids have to have fruit and veggies at every meal, and I wont judge you if you never feed your kid a vegetable. It's not MY kid. It's NOT my business. Parenting can be summed up into one judgement call after another and hoping it keeps them happy, healthy and alive. So please, stop judging other moms choices and shove that judgement up your damn ass.