Mommyzilla

There is this place called Gymboree, no not the clothing store, but yes affiliated. It has been around since the 70's and remains one of the few places committed to the development of your child especially during those critical early childhood times. There is a general stereotype for the clientele here; Multi-cultural, multi-lingual and most of all Mommyzillas.

Gymboree is one of the best places to observe the Mommyzilla. This is the part of their day where they are proving themselves worthy of motherhood by affording a pricey membership into the swanky "smart baby" clubs. All guilt is washed away for one hour while the Mommyzilla enables her offspring's ability to become part of the mentally elite of their generation; One hour of social status appearance followed with much gossip is more the case.

This hour long class is designed to promote different motor skill development according to appropriate age curriculum's. There is climbing, singing, dancing and lots and lots of bubbles; every little child's dream for a Tuesday afternoon. However the enjoyment of participating in this activity filled class is overcome by the Mommyzillas right of passage; emending their child's every move.

This "right of passage" was clearly observed in this weeks, Monday, Music class. Child A was mercilessly dominating the classes activities by yelling, throwing and monopolizing the toys. This behaviour was clearly not only learned from her home environment but also carelessly endorsed by the Mommyzilla. To earn her "right of passage", Child A's Mommyzilla avoided all previously warranted behaviours and began to reprimand. Mommyzilla's face full of contentment and triumph for displaying her capacity for character and manor representation.

The problem with this "right of passage" is, though it does show the mother's understanding of unacceptable social behaviour, it is not showing that she actually represents the better ways of that social behaviour. This is clearly demonstrated by the lack of fear in Child A's behaviour. If he/she was being taught by example and reprimanding there would be a subtle waver in his/her "restricted" actions (Instead there was confidence), and also by the lack of surprise heard in Mommysilla's tone.

Children today should be taught the right thing simply because it is just that, right. Parents should not be so lackadaisical with their own behavior and implement strong character in their family on a regular basis. Not only would this make association with the Mommyzilla more tolerable, this would truly become the new "right of passage" and prove to be much for effective long term for all social situations and, in turn, fully permitting the development encouraged by the class to begin with.

The world is already full of "monsters", a mother should not have to be one of them.