Mr. Fab and I got rid of our TV when we first moved in together and—apart from on a handful of occasions—we haven’t missed it at all.
One of the things I definitely don’t miss is the topic of this week’s Whiny Wednesday:
Kid-centric advertising
I’m sure you know what I mean—those ads selling products you might actually use, but which start out with lines like, “We know your family is important to you that’s why you use [fill in the blank product].”
It’s Whiny Wednesday and open season for any topic that’s on your mind.
Thanks Lisa – my Whine today is just still feeling so sad when others announce their pregnancies. I am 50 and dealing with intense menopausal hot flushes throughout the day. I am sat opposite (at work) the latest “happy” announcement. And can’t help feeling absolutely sad to my core today and most days that I didn’t get to have our little baby – the one I’ve dreamed of since I can remember. Hugs to us all – thank you for being here and keeping me sane.xx
Jane; hi ! You are not alone, believe me when I say that. I am 53 and still making peace with myself and with my so close friend called “Acceptance”…
I thought I was ok but yesterday I received a prayer request for a person who got pregnant after trying for 9 years ! And that was it for me. I prayed and I also cried.
I am praying for all of us and in thanksgiving to the Lord for all the women in this blog !!!
Thank you Analia – your thoughts and comments mean a lot xx
We are trying, very hard, to move on with life. We have put so much energy into failing to have children that I am trying to learn again to take care of myself and adjust our lifestyle to our new simpler needs. I’ve done some reading on fitness, job changes, and downsizing homes. Everyone’s motivation is their children or grandchildren. Can I please read an article that doesn’t focus on “We know your family is important to you that’s why you” exercise / change careers / sell or buy a house. It’s a constant reminder of my failure and minimizes my reasons and motivation for making changes. I want to move on with my life, but it’s implied that my reason for doing so is not valid enough.
I was out shopping – it turns out the morning of Cyber Monday is an excellent time to hit the mall, next to no one is there – and there was a new women’s clothing boutique. With a big sign in the window, “Dress Like a Mom.” Ugh – do you really want to alienate that large a percentage of your possible clientele? Cast a shadow over an otherwise triumphant Christmas shopping day.
The great thing about this day in age is that with streaming services and digital recording devices, commercials can be blocked out with a bit more ease. This has saved me considerable heartache as I can just breeze through the ads, or by-pass them all together.
The other month though, my husband was home from the road and flipping through stations on ‘regular tv’. At a certain point, he swore and flipped off the tv, tossing the remote onto the coffee table. He expressed the ‘baby, baby, baby, kid, kid, kid, parent, parent, parent’ theme of all the commercials was overwhelming. He looked at me and said “And now I understand your vehement hatred of commercials’.
I would think that one would have to try hard to find a commercial not geared towards moms, dads, kids, or families. It’s not just a thorn in one’s side, it’s sandpaper on an open wound. I think this is why living CNBC or with infertility is that much harder in today’s day in age (even with all the medical advancements) as there is just an overwhelming bombardment of messages telling you that you’re a freak for not having kids. It’s not just tv, it’s social media, books, the actual content on tv, and of course all the real-life reminders that once again highlight everything you are missing, and will never get to ‘be’.
I’ve learnt the hard way that living a happy childfree life isn’t just about finding peace with the loss and pain of the past but finding a peace in the present time as well. I used to think that people who lived away from society in a forest cabin were a bit nutty. I lived in a city my whole life, and now I can’t help but stalk properties in the middle of the woods or at the end of a long country road…
My hubby and I actually live in a log cabin at the end of a long country road. Our two acres brings us much peace in this crazy, hectic world!
Yeah, I’m with Foxglove. I hardly ever see kid-centric advertising these days, thankfully. But I was interviewed for an article that is supposed to be out this weekend about exactly that – the impact of kid-centric or mother-centric advertising especially around Christmas.
I find the “eye-rolling” reflex works well these days!
Ladies, you made my heart twinge with pain and caused me to smile, as well. I love this community of childless women. You all are incredible, and I pray that we all have a joyous season, despite the kid-centric nature of advertising.
The holiday commercials are brutal. I can’t change the channel fast enough. Plus the whole seasonal sentiment that everything should be “for your kids”! What about something for everyone else who’s suffering and struggling through infertility, job loss, grief, addiction, natural disasters, gun violence, health issues, astronomical health insurance costs, ailing elderly parents, sick pets, and all the rest??? This time of year assumes you’re living a Hallmark Channel holiday movie but VERY FEW are. Ok. Phew. Thanks for letting me vent.
I heard an advert on tv for a car. It said grow up, grow a family. I couldn’t believe what i heard, it made me so angry.