‘Give me a compliment. I promise you: something magical will happen’

Image: Nine IJff

Jannine Berkelaar is editor-in-chief of Kek Mama. Together with her husband Erik, she has daughter Elin (10) and son Mats (8).

While making the mombracing edition (Kek Mama 03-2023, ed.) we ran out of tissues. The love between girlfriends and cover models Kim and Kirsten splashes off. Add to that the special photo shoot with the beautiful mothers who embrace and support each other. Like mothers among themselves. Just really in the moment. A tear was shed during literally every interview.

Compliments

How often do you actually think about that special friend, that fellow mother who often helps you out or your own mother-in-law who is always ready to advise and assist? Look her in the eye and compliment her. Straight from your heart. I promise you, something magical is happening. Because although we do know about each other, and we really feel it, it is also important every now and then to put into words what you appreciate so much in the other person and why that person is so dear to you. Beautiful to give and valuable to receive.

Read also – Greetings from the crab basket: “Why do mothers put each other down so much?” >

Mom shaming

Especially in a world in which it is very easy to criticize someone else, whether or not from behind a screen. For example, the survey in which we asked mothers about the status of mom shaming showed that 87% are still criticized for their approach to motherhood. Shocking if you ask me.

“Still 87% of mothers are criticized for their approach to motherhood. Shocking if you ask me”

It is therefore extra important to use the Kek Mama campaign #mombracing (mothers embracing, ed.) full of positivity again this year. How? By showing that things can be done differently. I did and plan to do it many more times. Are you participating?

PS Try it too: compliment your fellow mother. That is contagious. Share your compliment on social with #mombracing

87% of mothers in the Netherlands have to deal with mom shaming, according to research by Kek Mama. The editors found this so shocking that they started a campaign: Kek Mama launches mombracing, the counterpart of momshaming, and calls on all mothers to support each other instead of criticizing from now on.

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