Every parent wishes he or she could be “perfect.” Often as parents we are so focused on what we wish we could do better, that we forget to make the most of the moments we share with our kids. I don’t know if becoming a mom makes me a parenting “expert”, but I can share a few tips that have helped me enjoy parenting a lot more.
Stop focusing on being “perfect” and focus instead on how you can be happy and fulfilled as a parent. What is it that you love about parenting? Make sure to make time for those things, whether it’s reading a story with your child or making a game out of putting away the toys. Even mundane tasks can be an opportunity to learn, share, and have fun with your kids. Tasks take longer with your 2-year-old “helping,” but these little moments can be tremendous opportunities for quality time with your kids that will help build their self-esteem and will put a smile on your face.
Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself.
Have fun with your kids for at least a few minutes each day. It’s the little things that count, and even sharing a few minutes of fun time can make you feel like a million bucks. It can be hard to drop what you are doing and put important tasks on hold, but focusing on your children and seeing the world from their perspective will make for some great memories.
Let go of the guilt. It’s so hard to enjoy parenting if you feel guilty all the time. Maybe you feel guilty because you work, and you might not get to spend as much time with your kids as you would like. Perhaps you feel guilty when you hire a sitter to have a mom’s night out. Yet guilt is an unwelcome intruder that can wreak havoc on your personal time with your family. Let it go. Whether you work out of economic necessity or personal fulfillment, it’s an important part of your life, and so is personal time. It makes you, “you,” and ultimately maintaining a balance can make you a better parent!
Reward yourself and make time for you. It’s important for you to have moments when you can relax, reflect, and enjoy yourself away from your kids and the pressures of daily life. This is time to rejuvenate. You might even find that you miss your kids while you’re away from them having this personal time! Afterwards you’ll have a fresh well of patience and appreciate your time with your kids that much more.
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I love this post. It is so true and being a single mom I had to so often let go of the guilt I felt because I didn't spend "enough time" with my sons. Then I got to thinking about what constituted "enough time" and instead made every moment memorable. Laughing, teaching, playing, and making sure my boys had that warm fuzzy feeling that I get when I know I am going to
With baby #1, I wanted to be perfect. Now, 8 years later, knowing that she could care less (she really just wants me), I'm confidant that baby #2 will enjoy the goofier, laid back mommy I have become! Thanks for the honest post!
These are some very true but amazing tips. Our children are all grown but we are raising and have custody of our grand daughter. I do so many things so different with her than I did my own. I dont try to be perfect and let things go. It is so true the little things truly do count for these little ones and those will be the things they remember for many years to come.
Great tips. I will be fostering soon and I think the fact that any day that child might go back home is a sobering reminder to enjoy each and every silly dirty fun minute and make my home the most healing and loving home I can.
Such wise words!! I think my favorite is one I often used when training preschool teachers and daycare providers…"Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself." I always said act a fool so the child will feel it is ok to have a lot of fun.
Very nice post, and things I have to remind myself of every day!<br />ustatemissy@gmail.com
Great post – thank you for sharing! I need to remind myself practically daily to "let go of the guilt".
LOL! Just today I was talking to my husband about I don't know how some woman make it look so easy, and I feel guilty for not doing everything right. Glad to know I'm not alone.
This is a great post. I recently had baby #2 and I have struggled with being upset that I wasn't the perfect mom. It is nice to have this reminder to relax and not feel so guilty.
It is so important to enjoy and cherish each day with your children. They grow up before you know it