I recently read an article debunking some common modern-day myths. Some of these gave me a good laugh. These are things that are actually NOT true.
Houseflies only live 24 hours. MYTH! I figured this one out this summer when I couldn’t get rid of a pesty buzzer friend that wouldn’t leave. There is a fly with a 24-hour lifespan, but this is the mayfly, not the housefly.
Goldfish have a 3 second memory. MYTH! I mean, I really don’t know how they figured this one out. Apparently, they taught them to follow a maze which took longer than 3 seconds.
Lastly, the tongue is divided into different taste sections. MYTH! I’m sure my lovely husband will argue this one, but actually the receptor cells that identify taste are evenly distributed throughout your tongue. Sorry, love.
Meaningful Myths
Reading these modern-day myths was a bit fun. I laughed at some and nodded in approval at others. I pondered how comical it was that we believe some silly things that people say. We just take people’s word for it. It really had me thinking further though. Sure, these modern-day myths were funny, but what are some things that I’m taking people’s word for that I’m living my life by? Are there things I am not fact checking, yet making impactful decisions based upon? This Mama friend is not funny. This is actually quite concerning.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down with Jill Rohrbaugh from The Faith-Full Mama podcast. She’s such a sweet person, and I had a lovely time chatting with her on this very topic. Click below, and it will take you straight to the full episode!
Motherhood Myths
One of the nuggets of truth we discuss here are two myths that I once believed. These are two things that I hung my hat on. I didn’t fact check them, and I assumed them to be true. I had people in my life share them with me, and I took it at face value. These are two Mama myths that I try to debunk here at Jenna Young Consulting.
- Since we are their Mama, we should know everything!
It’s easy to shrug that statement off. Ha, well of course we can’t know everything, we may even say. Yet, I’d challenge you to look at your actions. Do your actions show that you know everything? Let me probe a little deeper. When was the last time you asked for help? When was the last time you truly recognized that you were not fully equipped for a situation and reach out for assistance? We have all been there. Asking for a help is a humbling experience.
If you tune into the podcast, you’ll hear how I mention that we had a Doula when my son was born. It was the best decision for our family! My husband and I were entering into unknown territory. We had no experience and nothing to reference. Sure, the books helped, but we knew that if I wanted to do a natural birth, I was going to require the help of a professional!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we actually ended up with two amazing Doulas! They were both such a blessing to us. We were able to rely on their expertise when we had no background knowledge. When entering into a new endeavor, what better way to walk alongside someone who has been there, and is ready to help? It’s not a matter of not being capable. It’s not a matter of being weak. You are not a failure, or any less than a woman or a mother. Consequently, it’s tapping into God’s goodness of community. He designed us to rely and lean on one another. He designed us with different gifts. That’s the whole plan! If we fail to ask for help, we are breaking God’s design for community, and believing the false idea that I must do everything and know everything.
Please note, if you are in the Chicagoland area, I’ve included both my Doula’s contact information. They are absolute angels in the flesh! I am forever grateful for their support. If you are expecting, I’d highly encourage you to reach out!
2. Therapy equates failure
I know, the word therapy kind of makes me cringe a little inside, too. It just has the connotation that I’m losing my mind or that I’m on the edge of a mental breakdown. Interestingly enough, I like to share that most of the parents that come to me for consultation actually have very normal problems. Most are considered typically developing children, and have no formal diagnosis. They are not being suspended or getting in trouble at school. The reverse is actually true. Usually, they are doing fantastic in many areas of life, but they are just going through a rough season at home. That is exactly it, too. It’s a season. These children have started some bad habits, and the good parents they are recognized those, and reached out for help before the bad habit grew into something more. All the parents I’ve worked with have been terrific parents. There is nothing to be embarrassed about. They are loving, hands-on, terrific parents. They recognized a red flag, and were open and honest enough to address it. There was no “verge of a breakdown” moment. They were proactive. They were confident, vulnerable and brave.
If you haven’t read my post yet on GREAT parenting – I’d encourage you to do that! It shows us through research why asking for help is done by great parents. It’s not just me saying this, it’s factual. Good stuff!
If you have a concern, I’d encourage you to book a mini session to chat about it. We will meet for a whole month to make sure you have an individualized plan of action in your hands. We invest in cheerleading, soccer, and piano. Why wouldn’t you invest in their emotional and behavioral health? I guarantee it’s an investment worth making.
References:
Jolly, Tobias. “28 Myths of Modern Life Exposed.” BBC Science Focus Magazine, BBC Science Focus Magazine, 28 June 2022, https://www.sciencefocus.com/science/28-myths-of-modern-life-exposed/.