What Have You Learned from Mamapedia?

That I can wholeheartedly agree w/ a mom on one subject, and vehemently disagree w/ her on another.
And that's ok. :)

1. That women from all walks of life are FAR more intelligent than many people give them credit for.

2. That I can easily make my own baby food.

3. That lots of people believe in God. And more are willing to talk about it than those non believers. (maybe this is more of my opinionated observation after reading - but I think a lot of these may go toward "opinion").

4. That my husband has many flaws, but so do others' husbands. And my husband's flaws are COMPLETELY tolerable. (at least I think...=)

5. That some people get upset over some very interesting things.....

6. That I am addicted to mamapedia. No, like, I really should have some therapy for it.

7. I have learned how to properly care for granite coutertops and hardwood floors.

1) That SOMEONE will always agree with you.
2) That SOMEONE will always disagree with you.
3) There actually ARE a few moms in the world similar to me.
4) Most moms are VERY different from me.
5) It's ok that most moms are different from me since I can learn something from every one of them anyway.
6) That I have a much heartier sense of humor than most moms.
7) That while on this site I can SLACK off with the things that need to be done, and you know what? NO ONE CARES BUT ME!! Who knew? All this time I thought I was emptying the laundry basket as it filled for THEM! PSH!
8) Since my kids are much older than average, it's a good reminder to me how it seemed so God Almighty important to DO THE RIGHT THING with every single teeny parenting decision, most of which I had completely forgotten about, since now I realize how truly trivial most of these things turn out to be overall.
9) Most rant/vent style posts are really NOT looking for your opinion/advice/insight, they are looking for validation only. (took me awhile to get that, tehehe), even if they say 'what is your opinion'. Sigh.
10) I much prefer chatting with other moms over the electronic fence then the reality fence.
11) Mostly, I need to get a life. :(

I've learned that if you're going to ask strangers for advice on personal issues, be willing to expect anything in response!

there's too many things to list....there are some women on here who just ROCK at giving advice - they can do it with a smile and make me laugh as well!!!! And I love to laugh!!! :)

I hope that I have helped people along the way....

1. I learned about Dr. Harvey Karp and "The Happiest Baby on the Block" which saved me from having a complete meltdown during my middle child's colicky phase.
2. I learned about Dr. Marc Weissbluth's "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" which helped me see the value in making sleep (both napping and night time) a top priority.
3. I learned that every husband has different strengths and weaknesses and that I really need to be more appreciative for the man I have and stop fantasizing about the man I wish I could create.
4. That most people, even those whose views I disagree with, are very decent people who just want what we all want--happy families.
5. That lots of people who claim to be inclusive and tolerant are, in at least in the virtual world, cold, harsh, cruel and intolerant.
6. That the Ergo is the best baby carrier (I can't wait to get my trial one next week). I have wasted so much money on inferior carriers
7. That I'd rather come to a group of women I will likely never meet in real life for advice than to my own mother. I much prefer the diversity of opinions and experiences than what I already know to be my mom's opinions. (Love her to bits, but because I already think a lot like her I need different viewpoints.)
8. That no matter how bad of a job you think you are doing, at least once a day you'll read a post from another that makes you think, "Hey, I'm actually doing ok with this whole mothering thing."

I have learned that I am not alone in so many of my fears and actions. There are so many other great moms in the same situation and they understand. I have learned that you really need to be clear when asking for advise and state that you only want positive feedback and to keep the negative to yourself. I have learned that this is the best place to get advise and also hear from other mom's what's in store for when my kids get older. I learned what kind of minivan I should buy and most importantly that my husband is not that bad in fact he's really a good guy.

1.That we are all trying to do our best at the various stages in life we are at in the moment.

2.That there are many caring and nurturing women(and I have seen one man) out in virtual friendship land that want to share insight,wisdom and sympthy.

3.That we all have similar struggles and joys in day to day living and need a community to struggle with and bask in joy with. No one wants to feel alone.

4. That there are fellow mamas that have hilarious personalities and I would love to get together in person and hang out.

5.There is a sisterhood on Mamapedia and on the flip side there are snarky people that need to lighten up and be kind.

well I just learned what a smashbook was LOL

1. that most days, I will have to "google" a phrase, a medical dx, etc. Thank you for expanding my knowledge base! Can anyone say "cthulhu"?!!
2. that I can fill in naptime (with my daycare) with totally random thoughts, answers, responses. Again, thanks!
3. that on any given day, there will be at least 1 question which is repetitive from the day before (potty-training, am I pregnant, etc), there is 1 question....& many responses that will "flame" others, & there is 1 question ....& many responses which will make me smile/laugh. Thank you for the smiles & laughter.
4. that with each & every holiday, there will be familial & personal angst. My always honest answers will not always be welcome. Oh, well.
5. that on any given day, I will recommend the "1-2-3 Magic" video. Again, wow! on those repetitive questions!
6. that we represent a diverse entity & are not always open to hearing each other's answers. A sad, sad thing. But, on the other hand, it can be very amusing.....& I'm not being facetitous! I truly do enjoy the smiles & snickers which pop out of me as I go thru the forum! Again, thanks!
7. that quite a few moms are just soooo entertaining that I always appreciate their responses! Thanks!

Good question!

I have learned that we all have different ways of getting to the same end result and some like certain methods better than others.
I have learned that people are passionate about certain things and not everyone understands how to share a point of view and it can be toxic b/c everyone forgets when enough people forget.

I'm going to expand my psychotherapy practiice to mamapedia users and the addiction thereof: ) Kidding!

I've learned that I'm more socially liberal than the average mama but at the same time more strict than I ever realized.

That there are amazing writers out there that should be using their talents!

I want to reach through and hug so many mamas.

Not one of us has the perfect answer, even when I really think my answer is the "right" one: )