Are you ever afraid you’re doing everything wrong as a mother? Are you using the correct toothpaste for your toddler? Did you let your child eat too much Easter candy? Did you forget to floss your child’s teeth (and your own)?!
One of Birmingham Mom Collective‘s favorite dentists (and moms!), Dr. Quyen Ying from Liberty Park Children’s Dentistry, is the first to point out to her patients’ moms: “Don’t worry–there are moms way worse than you!”
Sometimes You’ve Just Got to Laugh
Dr. Ying recently heard Glenn Boozan’s interview on NPR discussing her hilarious book There Are Moms Way Worse Than You: Irrefutable Proof That You Are Indeed a Fantastic Parent. Glenn isn’t a mother, but her sister, whom Glenn describes as a great mother, was plagued with doubts. Was she socializing her daughter enough? Was she feeding her daughter the right foods (even though her little girl’s favorite food is radishes!)? Most moms can relate! We doubt ourselves at every turn.
Auntie Glenn wished she had some brilliant quote about motherhood to encourage her sister, but, since she’s a comedian, the best advice she had on hand was, “Well, hamster moms eat their babies, so at least you’re not doing that!” Realizing laughter comforted her sister, the idea of what eventually turned into this book was born.
Even though this book is illustrated like a children’s book, it is not for children! So, don’t read it to your kids. Just read it to yourself and laugh as you’re reminded that you’re not as bad as, say, the koala mom, who feeds her baby her own poop (so you shouldn’t feel bad you fed your child fast food)! Or the mother giraffe who kicks her newborn baby until he learns to walk. Or the cuckoo bird who lays her eggs in another bird’s nest so she won’t have to raise them!
See? You’re a Much Better Mom Than You Think!
So remember, when you think every other mom besides you has it all together, you’re not alone. And this thing called motherhood? Well, we’re all just doing the best we can!
Your kid has cavities and you feel like a failure in front of the dentist? No worries! Dr. Ying and her husband are both dentists, and guess what? Their kids get cavities!
Your child has a meltdown in the dental chair and swipes cleaning tools out of the hygienist’s hands? No worries! Dr. Ying has seen it all and has no judgment! She’s a mom, she gets it, and you and your kids are safe in her judgment-free zone! She’ll be quick to remind you to do what you can and move forward.
I wish there were more dentists (and moms) like Dr. Ying!
