I’ve been a mother now for over 13 years. If you count the time that I was pregnant with KitKat, my darling teenager, then we could just round up to 14. Fourteen years. Motherhood is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week job. If I’ve done my math correctly, I’ve clocked approximately 122,640 hours of parenting. No wonder I’m tired.
This is a silly picture I found on KitKat’s camera.
During those 122,640 hours, I’ve learned a thing or two about raising well adjusted, independent, happy kids. I’m far from perfect. Most days, I I don’t even know if I could consider myself “good” at this. Let’s just say that it’s easier to have brilliant ideas than to put them all into practice.
- Read together regularly, even when they get “big.”
- Teach your kids how to cook basic meals and treats as soon as they start school. Cooking is great practice for math, science, and reading.
- Learn how to cut kids’ hair (and then start taking them in to the salon once they hit middle school)
- Cut loose and act silly around your kids. They’ll respect you all the more for it (although they will most certainly give you funny looks in the mean time)
- Volunteer in their classrooms whenever possible. Chaperone field trips.
- Talk to other parents with kids your family’s age. You will be shocked (and comforted) to find that other people are dealing with the same issues.
- Bribery is perfectly fine.
- So is time out. There must be consequences.
- There are certain things that are not negotiable–like wearing seat belts or using the big scissors. Be clear on those non-negotiables and don’t make exceptions. In other words, be consistent.
- Tell your kids you love them and have some kind of physical contact everyday.
What have you learned in your years as a parent?
As I was making this “serious” list, I was totally imagining the things that would make it on to my “don’t do this” list. What would YOU add to that one?
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You’re so awesome! I don’t think I’ve truly read anything like this before. So nice to discover somebody with some genuine thoughts on this topic. Really.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is something that’s needed on the web, someone
with a bit of originality!
I love your points of view on parenthood. Hope you’re having a fun summer!
.-= Lara´s last blog ..Before and After =-.
When I started reading this post I actually panicked a little thinking you were going to say things that I had never done or thought of but as I read on I realized that I am doing all those things. Thank you so much for posting that today I kind of needed it! You are a true friend indeed!
.-= Brandie´s last blog ..Must Have Monday~ Cleaning Version =-.
all excellent points. I love the one to have physical contact each day and to tell them you love them daily. I couldn’t agree more with all of your points.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..I Heart Faces- Celebrating Teenagers =-.
Bribes, hugs and I Love You’s are at the top of my list every day. Especially combined with potty training.
.-= Allison´s last blog ..The Terrible Two Files =-.
Looks like I am doing everything right:-)
great list of things to do and I like you have been doing it for a while too.
Candy always helps
playing in the water and getting wet is just another day
being on the computer is fine too
.-= Julie@my5monkeys´s last blog ..In My Mailbox =-.
1.When mommy doesn’t sleep, we all suffer.
2.A small hug, kiss and a bit of praise goes a very long way.
3.Don’t run out of toilet paper…EVER. The alternatives aren’t worth mentioning.
Thanks for your list. I will take them to heart!
.-= Stef´s last blog ..Three strikes… YOU. ARE. OUT! =-.