I meant to write this last week after watching an episode of Oprah.  It was the show that had on the mother that left her young child in her car (and the child died from the heat).  Oprah kept saying, “who writes these rules?” referring to how moms feel compelled to do it all, to be perfect.  She implied that because we are focused on so many things at one time, we can easily make a mistake like leaving our kids in the car.

I can see where she is coming from as I also feel pressured to give everything I can to my kids and family.  I am not saying that it’s Oprah’s fault, but when she asks where does this come from, some of it is from HER SHOW!  How many women watch her show and try to mimic whatever it is Oprah tells us to do?  Here are some examples from the things she presents on her show: be charitable (make time to give to a charitable organization or give money), workout (you have to take care of yourself in order to take care of others), be romantic with your spouse (he has needs too, you were a wife before you were a mom, etc.), clean your house (disorganization is a sign that your life is out of control), be a good consumer (use coupons, find deals), read books (gotta keep up on the printed word), be spiritual (take the time to center yourself and your world), look pretty (don’t be part of the crowd that needs one of her makeovers), care about the world around you (read the papers, follow the news), just to name a few.

These are all GREAT things to do, but when she wonders who is telling us that we have to do it all, I say “YOU, OPRAH!”