3 Things I've Learned While Being a Parent
My eldest son is now 7, so I've been a Mom for 7 years. It's been a huge learning curve and there are times when the learning curve was greater (like when I went from being a parent of 1 child to a parent of 2, when I had my youngest son 3 years ago.
This article details 3 things I've learned while being a parent. In truth I've probaby learned one 100 things but thes are 3 that really stand out for me. Parenting is quite a personal journey. Other parents my have a different take on parenthood and the things I've learned are quite diverse. They include things I've learned to be a better parent and a better person. So here goes.....
This article details 3 things I've learned while being a parent. In truth I've probaby learned one 100 things but thes are 3 that really stand out for me. Parenting is quite a personal journey. Other parents my have a different take on parenthood and the things I've learned are quite diverse. They include things I've learned to be a better parent and a better person. So here goes.....
Take Help When You Can Get It - You Can't Do It All By Yourself
They say it takes a village to raise a child but somehow this seems to have been lost in a consumerist, Western society. When my first son was born, I wanted to do everything myself and quite enjoyed it but as time has gone on it's become impossible. Having 2 children means if you do everything you won't have an ounce of time for yourself which leads to a very tired and stressed parent. A tired and stressed parent is not a very good one either.
So, when help is offered I take it. And if it isn't offered I try to seek it out. Whether that be in the form of friends or family or having a few hours at nusery a week. This means I have more time to get other stuff done and I'm a better Mum when I see my kids.
So, when help is offered I take it. And if it isn't offered I try to seek it out. Whether that be in the form of friends or family or having a few hours at nusery a week. This means I have more time to get other stuff done and I'm a better Mum when I see my kids.
Give Up On Perfection.
I know somebody who used to make sure her little boy's socks always matched their outfit. I have come to the point where sometimes my little boy has socks that don't even match.
Having kids means that a lot of things aren't going to be perfect. My boys faces aren't always clean. My house isn't always tidy. Sometimes I forget a change of clothes when I go out for my youngest. I don't always read to my eldest child every night. There are lots of confessions I could make like that.
But my kids are happy and healthy and that's all that really matters. The details don't. If you try and be perfect in every way it leads to a lot of stress and sometimes resentment. So let go and chill out a little. Things won't be perfect but everybody will be a little happier
Having kids means that a lot of things aren't going to be perfect. My boys faces aren't always clean. My house isn't always tidy. Sometimes I forget a change of clothes when I go out for my youngest. I don't always read to my eldest child every night. There are lots of confessions I could make like that.
But my kids are happy and healthy and that's all that really matters. The details don't. If you try and be perfect in every way it leads to a lot of stress and sometimes resentment. So let go and chill out a little. Things won't be perfect but everybody will be a little happier
Take Everybody Else's Opinions with a Pinch of Salt
People judge in all areas of life but when you are a parent, you seem to be judged a lot more.
When my eldest was born, everybody wanted to offer thier advice. Don't hold him too much - he'll be spoiled! Wean him at 4 months. Wean him at 6 months! He should be in his own room by now. He looks like he's too cold. He looks like he's too hot!
The thing I've learned while parenting is to listen to what people say but then trust your own judgement and opinon. Everybody has conflicting opinions anyway. And each parent and child is different . So do what's best for you and your child.
When my eldest was born, everybody wanted to offer thier advice. Don't hold him too much - he'll be spoiled! Wean him at 4 months. Wean him at 6 months! He should be in his own room by now. He looks like he's too cold. He looks like he's too hot!
The thing I've learned while parenting is to listen to what people say but then trust your own judgement and opinon. Everybody has conflicting opinions anyway. And each parent and child is different . So do what's best for you and your child.
