Sanctimommies

My Aunt Jane shared this article from the New York Times today -- http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/06/books/review/Zernike-t.html?ex=1207972800&en=9a8ce1dc3c9a85b5&ei=5070&emc=eta1 (Kate Zernike on Pamperers). Zernike reviewed a book by Pamela Paul called PARENTING, INC.:
How We Are Sold on $800 Strollers, Fetal Education, Baby Sign Language, Sleeping Coaches, Toddler Couture, and Diaper Wipe Warmers — And What It Means for Our Children. This is one book I know, based on the title, I have zero interest in reading. The author's premise according to Zernike's review anyway seems to be that an entire industry preys on parental anxiety. To this, I have to say, "Well, duhhh." Zernike, thank goodness, doesn't provide a glowing review of the book either, but she does facetiously talk about how her mother, who was a child of the Depression, could not understand how she was able to raise her 3 kids without today's gadgets.

I bet funerals and weddings didn't cost as much back then either. Any industry that deals with human emotions is going to make a ton of money because, hey, people allow their emotions to get the best of them. But I don't think we should blame the industry. (I'm now having an out-of-body experience; not sure I'm reading what I just wrote correctly.) If people truly believe they need $800 strollers, then let 'em. I mean, realistically, I don't have any say in how someone else spends his or her money on a stroller, any more than I do if they want to buy a ridiculously expensive car. I completely don't understand how Pamela Paul was able to write a book about this topic. I wonder what her goal was. Does she think she'll make some poor lost soul of a really wealthy woman realize she doesn't need to spend so much money on her baby? Somehow I doubt it. Zernike didn't get into the very end of the title of the book "And What it Means for Our Children," which is the only section that sounds slightly intriguing.

I was disappointed that Zernike didn't take the opportunity to praise true advances in technology over the last couple of decades. Here's to discreet, backpack-looking, quiet electric breastpumps for example! Yeah, okay, I'm struggling to come up with anything else! I didn't buy into diaper genies or changing tables, and although I received boppies as gifts, big pillows do the same back-saving trick. I was happy that Zernike pointed out Falls Church, Virginia isn't exactly small town America. That cracked me up. It's almost as ridiculous to live here as it is to live in NYC.

I will share the "I, sanctimommy" sentiment with Zernike. We are really lucky to share clothes with other parents and have bought many a big-ticket item at Dani's Duds, a massive consignment sale that takes place twice a year. When I buy anything new for the kids, Target is my store of choice. I refuse to pay more than that for clothes and shoes they will outgrow in no time. I'd like to think that even if I had money to throw away, I'd retain my senses. But who knows? I am sure I shouldn't be so judgmental. Mommies are by nature seemingly too hard on other mommies. Here's a mommy blaming a whole industry for bamboozling other mommies. Good grief, I Sanctimommy, say.