inspired by a beautiful woman who was brave enough to stand up in a panel I participated in at Blissdom Canada and ask a question

When people ask you what you write about, how often do you reply, “I just write about my kids”

Just.

The weight of that one little word….

Just devalues the writing.

Writing about our children is honorable and fair, properly merited and true (also definitions of the word just).

Who better to share these stories.  My whole life I’ve read books, watched television shows and movies about the parenting of children – and I loved these.  I never thought “that J.K. Rowling, does she really need to just write about children?”  Or laughed watching “Parenthood” and thought “this would be better if it wasn’t just about people and their kids.”

Raising children is the perfect thing to write about.  Its funny and messy.  Its true.  If you’ve never said “don’t make me pull over this car” there’s a good chance you’ve heard it.

And writing is a perfect platform for sharing your story.  Especially to share it with other parents.  Writing is quiet, we can read it during naps.  We can leave writing and come back later.  We can read it from our phone and throw it in our purse for later.

Just devalues the important act that is parenting children.

Parenting is a political, world changing act.  As Martha Sears said when someone asked her about having a large family in an over populated world, “The world needs my children.”

I write about my children.  Who unlike the dust and travel destinations, will not wait for me.  I am many things to many people, but it is my job as their Mama that is my most important role.  When I share my motherhood experience I am writing about the most important thing to me. There is nothing “just” about it.

I challenge you to show me an action more valuable than parenting.  I dare you.

Just devalues the I.

I am not really important, I just write about my children.

I am not worth talking about or to. It’s just me.

If I wrote about something different, then I would have more value.

We, the writers who write about our children, are so very valuable.  We used to sit around campfires and kitchen tables, but more and more we are isolated from other parents.  The online world can be a powerful connector.  I want my children to have your stories to make her stronger.  An online village to raise a child.

You can share the big stuff, like post-pardum depression or raising children with special needs.  You can share your grief.

We can celebrate birthdays together.

You can share the small stuff. The noses you are sure will never stop running.  The third cup of coffee.

I am also not sure why Caillou has no hair.

Think about all the things you didn’t know before having children.  All the things you are sure only happen to you.  That only you feel.  Share those.  I promise someone, somewhere needs to hear them.

I write about my children.

Do you?