Am I mom enough? you ask?

I refuse to answer that question.

I refuse.

I refuse to judge another mother because she chooses a different parenting style.

I refuse to assume that she cares less for her children than I care for mine because she parents differently.

I refuse to engage in any mommy war, especially those created because you want to sell magazines.

I refuse to spit in another mother’s face.

I refuse to omit fathers from the picture when they are parents, too.

I refuse to use as ammunition at other mothers my anger and frustration about this country’s meager support for parenting.

I refuse to feel insecure or guilty about the thoughtful, difficult choices I have made for my family.

I refuse to settle for the binary mothering choices you offer me.

I refuse to be distracted from supporting mothers and fathers whose choices are limited by circumstance and policy.

I refuse to remember that when mothers fight other mothers, children suffer.

I refuse to take up arms — my hands are too busy forging new life.

I refuse to answer your question, Time Magazine. You set me up to lose.

I refuse.