For SELF, by Avery Matera.
The actress says confidence in parenting is key.
When it comes to her children, Kristen Bell will open up her heart. Honest and to-the-point, the 36-year-old is always ready with parenting advice. The actress recently sat down with Café Mom to discuss her experience as a mother (she’s got two daughters with husband Dax Shepard) and what she’s learned in the last four years. During the interview, Bell candidly talked mom shaming, breastfeeding, and patience.
Having opened up about postpartum depression in the past, The Good Place star’s recent interview reminded us there is no single face to the motherhood struggle — nor should there be any shame. For Bell, trusting herself in the way she parents helps her fight back against mom shaming. “If you’re confident with what you’re doing, even if that’s some weird, bizarre parenting technique that you know works for your kid or you feel happy about, do it! Don’t let anyone tell you you shouldn’t be doing that,” she says.
“For Bell, trusting herself in the way she parents helps her fight back against mom shaming.”
As for breastfeeding, Bell says if you feel offended by a woman feeding her child, it’s up to you to remove yourself from the situation — mothers are just doing their jobs as caregivers. “Are you against feeding children? It’s not even an issue, or the fact that it is an issue is comical to me. If you’re aroused by that, I think it’s safe to say that’s your problem and not mine. If it makes you uncomfortable, it’s your responsibility to move away, not mine to cover up.” She went on to say, “I don’t care where I’m breastfeeding. It never crossed my mind. What crossed my mind is ‘was my child hungry?’” We’re digging her attitude, but don’t forget, breastfeeding is a choice that every mom is entitled make for herself and her family.
Her parting advice to all moms out there? “Be patient with yourself. Put on your gas mask first, because you’re useless to everyone else if you’re too stressed out. Know when to take a break.” We couldn’t agree more. Though, might we venture to suggest that piece of advice is a good one to heed — regardless of whether or not you’re a mom.
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