The hardest job I’ll ever have is being a mom, but it’s also the most rewarding… There is this immense pressure to succeed, to prepare our young for the world, to help build our future- but how do I do that? Honestly, I’m not sure. I mean if I’m completely honest with myself I really don’t know how to be a mom. I’ve read articles on parenting and blogs about discipline. I’ve researched behavioral strategies, joined Mommy Book Clubs, and taken Love and Logic courses. What I’ve learned in my short 7 years of parenting is that each of my children is different and what might work for one might not work for another. I’ve learned to cut myself a little slack now and again. I’ve learned that teachable moments are more powerful than any doctor’s recommendation. I’ve learned to never judge what another parent does because until we’ve walked a day in their shoes we really have no idea what they are going through. I’ve learned that conversations with friends and family help guide me in my decisions as a parent. I watch myself with my third born and am sometimes shocked at how much easier it seems… Then I realize it’s because I’ve done this twice before! I’m a work in progress and I’m OK with that!
I am always honored when people ask me for mommy advice because I think it means my kids are doing something honorable or respectful or kind. My kids are just like any other kids, they have tantrums, they cry and pout, they make huge messes and poor choices. But on a daily basis we try to teach them that kindness is what matters most. Being generous is life giving. We teach them to honor themselves, their friends and their family. We try to demonstrate respect. We teach them that everyone makes mistakes- just keep trying. We try to be human around them. We apologize for our mistakes as adults in their lives. We spend as much time with them as possible. We play games, read books, color pictures, ride bikes and build forts. We give them responsibilities and chores. We take turns. We have a family schedule that we try to follow -but allow to be flexible. We have traditions like “Monday Movie Night” and “Sundae’s on Sunday’s”. We celebrate holiday’s and birthday’s with vigor! We have rules and consequences- most of which are natural consequences based on our actions. We live life day by day knowing that we are not perfect, mistakes will be made and forgiveness will be granted. We learn from those who have gone before us. We ask advice. We pray for our children. We pray over our children. We pray with our children.
I strongly believe we are on this journey of parenthood together. We are all working towards the same goal. I can name countless friends that have given me amazing amounts of advice. If I know you – you’ve taught me something! If I’ve read your book, blog, or article, you’ve taught me something. I truly believe it takes a village and we are living right in the middle of a pretty fantastic village that spreads across cities, states and even country lines. So if you feel alone – remember you are not. We are in this together! We can raise up the next generation – We can make this world a better place! We’ll just take it one moment at a time! And in the meantime I’d like to thank you! Thank you for helping us to raise our boys! Thank you * Thank you * Thank you!
mommyapolis 
so well said. thank you!
Haha, I was going to say “well said”, but someone beat me to it!