Some Things I've Learned Since Becoming a Mom

Some of the M A N Y things I've learned since becoming a Mom:

~ When my kid(s) do something wrong, counting to three silently in my head before yelling/exploding truly helps.

~ Sometimes a messy house can wait. These years that I have with my sweet kids while they are young are so important to me! You can always find time to do house work.

~ As long as my kids feel loved by the end of the day, that's all that matters to me.

~ My children watch everything I do and say, whether it's how I react to bad news or what I say when I am stressed out. And children copy whatever you do, so do it wisely.

~ Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry" to your children too and admit when you've been wrong, too impatient, or quick-tempered with them. Just because you're the Mom or the Dad doesn't mean you're the perfect one.

~ Hug & kiss your children a lot. Kids need reassurance daily. It's incredible how much a hug can change attitudes.

~ Let your kids be messy! This is something I am working on! I've recently come across a cute quote that says, "Excuse the mess, my children are making memories." If you are a parent who is always strict and doesn't let your kids get dirty sometimes with dirt, paint, or whatever else, I feel bad for your kids, haha!

~ Don't be afraid to give your children, no matter how young they are, responsibilities! If your kids are bored, give them work to do. =) Teaching them to take care of themselves and to help clean up is the best thing you can do before they get spoiled.

~ This one is the most important to me: Include prayer in your day; pray in front of your kids, pray WITH them, don't only thank God for your food before each meal, but thank God for things throughout the day. I forget about this one a lot, but I am trying to do it more with my kids. Recently Lilly lost one of her favorite toys, so I told her to pray to God that she'd find it, and she did, then thanked Him for answering her prayer. Little things like that, you can teach them!

~ When you're having a bad day, don't take it out on your kids even if they are "annoying" you.

~ ALWAYS tell your children how much you love them! =) Saying "I love you" and hearing it back will NEVER get old.