Sometimes you find inspiration when you’re not even looking. That happened to me. I found a book that wasn’t written for moms but is filled with all sorts of good mantras for us to follow. Maybe this is a different perspective than most would take, but – honestly – all I needed to know about motherhood, I learned in kindergarten. Thanks Robert Fulghum!
1. Share everything. As in, don’t be afraid to share the responsibility of raising Little One. Depend on grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, whoever. Share the joy of your children with others and give yourself a break once in a while. People want to help; let them!
2. Play fair. Be fair when disciplining Little One. Fair and consistent consequences will teach Little One the proper way to behave.
3. Don’t hit people. Never hit or strike Little One out of anger. If you’re maxed out, take a time out. Put Little One down, walk away, and regroup.
5. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. Be content with this blessed life you’ve been given. Quit comparing yourself to other moms. They aren’t living your life; you’re not living theirs. What you do and who you are – that’s what matters. You are good enough … always!
6. Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody. As parents, we aren’t perfect. We make mistakes. And that’s part of life. When you make a mistake, don’t be afraid to admit it. Apologize and move on. It’s ok. Little One has an amazing capacity for forgiveness.
7. Flush. Every day is not going to be your best day. There are going to be bad ones, ones you wish you could just forget happened because everything you did was wrong. Take those days and “flush them” away. Don’t dwell on the negatives that happened. Instead, learn from them and grow into a better mom.
8. Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you. You have to allow yourself to have a special treat: a vacation with the Mr., a girls night out, a quiet morning with a good book … Don’t neglect yourself. You work hard each and every day; you deserve to splurge on YOU once in a while!
10. Take a nap every afternoon. Or whenever you can. A rested, rejuvenated mom has more patience for Little One. (And we all know we can never have enough patience!)
11. When you go out into the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands, and stick together. In this world, know that there are others out there who support you and Little One. Reach out, grab a hand, and know that you’re not alone in this thing called motherhood.
12. Be aware of wonder. Look at situations with a critical eye to find the blessings in the life you’ve been given. Take awe in Little One’s precious moments. Be thankful for Little One’s words. Applaud Little One’s actions. What a miracle it is to be a mom! Enjoy this time.
13. Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup – they all die. So do we. Don’t live a life of regret. Cherish the moment. Live for today. Be thankful for the laundry, the dirty dishes, the temper tantrums, the late nights and early mornings … they are the disguised blessings of motherhood.
14. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane books and the first word you learned – the biggest word of all – LOOK. Watch. And look. And remember, because Little One will grow up and today will be a memory. Don’t be distracted. Look to treasure each and every day and each and every moment.
You didn’t realize that you knew all about motherhood when you were five years old, did you? It’s amazing how life lessons are taught to us without us even knowing. So, as Little One grows up, when you ask, “So, what did you learn at school today?” know that in Little One’s answer is a lesson for you as a mom — one that will help you realize that you’re doing a great job raising Little One and one that will help you be an even better mom in the days and years to come.
