Judgement by Bisquick

I like to think I have a pretty tough skin. It really takes quite a bit to rile me up usually...unless you're Isaac, in which case my fuse is relatively short--but that's a different story. But last night, I let someone get under my skin, and it's not a position I like. Because I find that instead of getting angry, I was hurt and a little humiliated. Why is it that other moms find the need to judge instead of support? I was judged, the gavel was slammed...all at what was supposed to be a supportive and open environment...a La Leche League meeting of all places.

Now, before I start, let me say that I LOVE La Leche League. It is an amazing support group with lots of great breastfeeding advice. It is a great place to go to get solid, reliable breastfeeding information and to make a few great friends, too. I have had nothing but really positive experiences there...until last night.

The meeting's topic was innocent enough: nutrition and weaning. Since none of the moms in attendance last night were in the weaning stage, we focused on nutrition and foods/ideas for feeding toddlers and families in general. We split into groups to brainstorm ideas. Our group was thinking of easy snacks for toddlers and then a list of snacks that "take some work." I start by offering the suggestion of goldfish. My kids eat them by the gallon, and I know a lot of moms whose diaper bag isn't complete without a baggie full of the cheesy little dudes. I was met with a horrified stare from one of the other moms in my group. (Let me mention there were only three of us, and our other member was one of the LLL leaders.) My next suggestion...diced fruit. I throw in there that if you want to buy the fruit cups you can usually get them in fruit juice instead of syrup...another disgusted stare. I'm kind of confused at this point. I didn't know it was criminal to feed your kids fruit that wasn't organic and freshly chopped. Okay. We're going kinda crunchy at this meeting. I can do crunchy. Better not suggest Quaker granola bars...think, Rachel, think. Then I remember raisins and fruit leather...two things my kids really like sometimes. Um, didn't you know those are terrible for little teeth? Wow. My face is starting to get hot, and I'm beginning to feel like a bad mom. Like I'm somehow harming my kids by what I feed them. Better not mention their weekly dose of chicken nuggets and french fries...so instead, I chuckle sheepishly and jokingly say, "We really don't eat all that well at our house. Ha ha ha {nervous giggle}."

At this point, I pretty much stopped contributing to the conversation and listened to this mom talk about homemade teething biscuits sweetened with applesauce, homemade granola, and a whole host of Auntie Anne's organic whatevers. I also did catch her say she couldn't get her two year old to eat much...hmmm, wonder why...

Anyway, near the end of our brainstorming session, our leader mentions something about make-ahed quiche and I remember this great quiche recipe I have that's super easy and my kids love! So I pipe up with this idea, "it's really easy to make, you just use ground beef, a little cheese, eggs and bisquick! My kids love it!" This woman about fell off her chair. I look at her and say, "what, is bisquick bad?" She responds with an indignant little chortle, "yeah, it's bad. I GUESS YOU GUYS DO EAT REALLY BADLY, HUH?" As if I am putting rat poison in their cereal (artificially sweetened, of course). I turned my chair the opposite direction and tried to hide the embarrassment on my face.

I have to say, this was the first time I have ever felt like I was being judged for my parenting style. I know that there are a million points to disagree with on every parenting front...but at the end of the day, my kids are happy, healthy, smart and very loved. But, by God, I will feed them bisquick and they will like it. And, if anyone is interested in my quickie quiche recipe, I'll be happy to post it. But realize you are taking your own and your children's lives into your own hands. I wash my hands of it. May God bless us Bisquick users, every one.