Mothering Advice from a Friend

Everyday we have ups and downs with our kids. Everyday I have to remind myself that the most important job I have is the job of being a mom. I want to be more patient, understanding and loving. Hopefully, my boys know that I am trying to be the best mom I can be. Some days I feel like I "blew it". The key , I think, is to keep trying each day to be the sort of nurturing mother my kids deserve. A good friend sent me this advice on mothering today. She has three boys~ranging in age from 17 to 21.

"Savor every moment, embrace their individuality and keep an open mind as they grow and experience life on their own terms! I've learned through them that struggles and independence really do make them stronger and better equipped as men! God has truly blessed me with 3 great sons but with very unique and drastically different personalities. At the core of each boy is a sweet, loving and intelligent soul. I am so thankful for each one." Thanks Dawn-I needed to hear that today.

Pray for your kids. Pray with your kids. Help them grow into independent strong people. Love them unconditionally-and let them love you. Show them in little ways you care and never give up on them or your self.

A Little More on the SAHM subject...

I realized I had a little more to add. Please do not get me wrong....staying at home with your kids is great and wonderful and of course being able to witness all of the "firsts" and just being there as they grow up. But depsite what others tell you it can hard as hell. I would give my left arm to go back to work somedays! lol! Just to get away from the house. It's the noise-and yes-the boys. When Logan is screaming, going through the no stage and rebellion stage even before he is 2.Sometimes I wonder "why again did I quit the job I really love?" an "Going to work would be a nice break!" Then at the end of the day when most people are stressing over traffic, deadlines, lesson plans, beating it to daycare to pick up a child at 6:30p.m. who has been sitting there since 7:00 a.m.: you get to put your kids in a bath, have their dinner ( a home cooked one at that) and tuck them into bed it all seems worth it. Snuggling up and reading abook with my little guy and KNOWING that he is safe-that is the perfect job.  The bigger house, the nice car, trips can all wait.  Right now I have a baby to kiss.

Stay Home Mommy

When someone asks me what I do, I tell them I stay home with my children and I'm not in the least ashamed or embarrassed. I have learned that most people who don't think much of stay-at-home moms (SAHM) don't know what's involved and how much a family benefits and appreciates what we do. My children are only young once; I can get job later. Sometimes when I tell people that I am a SAHM,they say "Oh, so you have no education?" (I have a BS degree and social work experience), or "No skills, huh?" (I used to write million-dollar grants and teach special ed). I am comfortable with my answers, but a lot of other people are not. They think my education is going to waste. I answer those people with "I'm raising my children, and teaching them. What better use of my skills?"  I do realize that this is a personal choice and everyone has to decide what is best for their family.  If you do place your child in daycare-please stop by unanounced several times before placeing your child.  And PLEASE trust your gut if something feels wrong.  If you are able to afford a nanny, or someone who only watches 1or 2 kids, that isthe way to go.  The smaller the ratio-the more one on one attention your baby will get.

I know that my baby Logan will only be little a painfully short time and I want to be the one showing him the world.  The bond we have is not for sale at any price.  So am I angry or resentful? No, just sad that some people dont realize that in a time like this-Mommy does know best.