As a parent who does a lot of things wrong, I really try not to judge other parents because I know what it is like and we are all in this together, right? And honestly, I don’t give a flying monkey how you choose to raise your children. I’m just doing my best over here, trying to raise mine to be pleasant, confident, and happy.

So as a parent, I have never asked for or bought my child anything that is the best of the best. And get this, she does not actually need the best of anything. (Now, I cannot account for the things her GiGi and Auntie A buy her. Because, let’s be honest, they spoil her rotten!)

Don’t get me wrong, she has very nice things and she has all that she needs and more (too much more), but I don’t see the need to over spend on her furniture, decorations, toys, or clothing. (Okay, maybe I tend to overspend sometimes on clothing… but I do get most of her stuff on sale!) Needless to say, we do not try to keep up with the Joneses, Kardashians, or anyone else for that matter.

So what if someone has better than us? Good for them, really. I do not judge you for wanting to give your baby the best possible. I applaud you. You are a great parent! I just choose not to, and I hope that I am considered a great parent too.

I hope to raise my kids in a way that they don’t feel entitled to have the best or be the best or think they’re the best or better than anyone else.

I hope to raise my kids in a way that they celebrate over the small things and are content with what they have.

I hope to raise my kids in a way that they truly wish the best for others and truly want to help others more than they want new things for themselves. Does that make sense?

I feel so fortunate to be able to provide my kids with their needs and wants and more, and even though I’m not buying the best of the best or the most expensive anything, my kids are still so fortunate compared to so many families out there.

I just don’t see the need to compete with anyone, and I don’t want my kids to ever feel that need either. I don’t see the need to brag about the things we are fortunate to have, and I don’t want them to ever feel the need to brag either.

I wish that everyone would just be happy doing what they do with what they have and still make an effort to help those who are less fortunate.