“I sometimes leave their diapers on a little bit longer than I should so I don’t have to buy them as often.”

“Sometimes when I see my kids dumping their sippy cups on the carpet I just let them do it because the carpet already looks like h**l so what’s the difference.”

“I feel guilty for putting my baby in her swing so I can get some things around the house done.”

The above are just some of the anonymous comments left on Truu Confessions – Mom’s Category. The confessions ran the gamut, from mild, and understandable, to angry and disturbing. They’re the musings of Moms across the country, across the world. The anonymity afforded by the site prompts revelations without the fear of a backlash except in the form of a comments section, which can fortunately be disabled.

I have to admit I’m secretly addicted to viewing the confessions here. And judging by the number of commenters, and by the increase of categories, it seems there are many people who feel the same draw.  Truu Confessions founders have really found an avenue that hadn’t been explored before: that of an outlet for relief for all the frustrated Moms out there who wish to vent without judgment.

I’ve been a mom for only twenty months, and I’ve seen how much judgment are reserved by Moms towards other Moms who may do things a little differently. Heck, I’ll admit I have my own moments where I feel superior to other Moms. Sad isn’t it? We’re always bemoaning the competitive nature of men and boys, but we women have our own brand of it, extended ten-fold through our offspring. While it would be nice if Mothers, and everyone really, would extend nothing but a patient ear, helping hands, and a big hug when needed, we’re not fully there yet. There is still that inevitable silent horror when we see that a Mom is actually dressing a little too sexy at a playgroup, that the snacks served for a play-date aren’t organic, that her little boy is still sipping from a bottle at two years old! Fill in your own ideas of what makes a good/bad parent.

So until we get to the point where we can live and let live (with reasonable exceptions of course), we all need a place to let our dirty little secrets out: anonymous online journals, forums, and sites like Truu Confessions.

I’m the eldest child with two younger brothers who aren’t likely to have any children soon. I unfortunately have no friends with kids, much less kids my daughter’s age. My cousins are all 15 years old and younger, and therefore, are also not likely to have kids soon. Seeing my daughter watching other kids warily out in public has prompted me to the fact that I need to socialize her with other kids, and I didn’t want to wait for preschool.

What I’ve done:

• I’ve signed her up for at least one class that runs a month or so geared to her age. You can sign up for Gymboree or similar types. I opted to scour our more affordable Community Recreation class offered by the city. These range from $35-100 a class for 6 to 10 week classes.
• I take her frequently to the local mall’s play area or the playground, where I encourage her to wave hi to the kids. Since she’s not yet old enough to do active play with other children, this is our first step for now.
• I have signed up for a Mom’s Meet-up group. Granted I don’t go that much what with my busy student schedule, I have access to a calendar that gives me great ideas on where to take her. Often they’re free: library events, fairs, etc. Try going to Meetup.com where you can search for your local playgroup.

What about you? How do you socialize your only child?