Our culture equates having “THINGS” with being good parents. Somehow a walk in an $800 stroller is perceived to be “better” than a walk in a $100 stroller. This can play out in our relationships with fellow moms. New moms might find themselves coming home from a play-date and jumping on the Internet to buy “stuff” that other moms have. Before doing so, take a step back and ask themselves a few questions:

1. Can I afford this? If this answer is no, DON’T BUY IT!!!! It’s as simple as that! Being a new parent is stressful and expensive enough as it is without the added pressure of not being able to pay one’s mortgage b/c one just bought an $800 stroller.
2. If you can afford an item, ask, why do I need this? If you hear yourself saying, “Because everyone else has it” or “It would make me a better mom” or “It would make my child happier” take a step back and ask, “Really? Could we manage without this?” or “Would this really improve my quality of life?” Babies actually need very little. What they need the most are loving parents (who love the baby, and each other) and a safe, stimulating environment. They don’t need their house to look like the newest branch of Toys R Us.

Comparing yourself to others results in only one thing – bad feelings. Stop the Mommy Olympics! Compare yourself to YOURSELF. Are you feeling more confident about motherhood than you did a month ago? Great! It doesn’t matter if your sister appears to be the most self-confident mom who ever lived. Can you run a mile when a month ago you couldn’t run at all? Kudos to you. It doesn’t matter if your neighbor can run 12 miles. Is your 9-month old baby exhibiting greater motor skills this week than last? Hurray. Doesn’t matter if your best friend’s baby was already walking at 9 months.