10 Lessons in 10 Years of Motherhood
Ten years ago I became a Mother. Well, ten years plus a few weeks if we are being technical. The birth of my first daughter changed me in the most extraordinary way — as did the births of my second and third daughters. Over the last ten years I’ve learned a lot about life and what it means to be a Mom. Here are 10 Lessons in 10 Years of Motherhood.
10 Lessons in 10 Years of Motherhood
1. Humility. Period. Practicing humility brings you strength and wisdom as a Mother — so never be afraid to ask for help or admit when you are wrong.
2. A hug is a powerful tool in all situations. Hugs are not only comforting, but they are also calming and reassuring. Bonus: make eye contact before and after the hug.
3. Your kids are watching and it’s usually when you hope they are distracted. It’s a hard pill to swallow — the thought that your child may see you do something you regret — but humans aren’t perfect. I can’t list all of the times my girls have bear witness to me losing my temper, but
4. Talk about things. Talk about the school day, a play date, a book or toy or tv show. My Mom always talked to me about life as a child, so when I got older, when things got tough, I felt comfortable and confident to confide in her.
5. Don’t just treat others how you want to be treated — treat your children the way you want your children to treat others. Manners, empathy, and basic social cues are tools you can bestow upon your children by example from birth.
6. There are countless seasons in motherhood and they aren’t in sync with child development or the weather. The seasons change at varying paces — some are quick while others seem to last forever. My best piece of advice is to remember that nothing actually lasts forever. Whenever we are in a difficult season
7. The state of your home (or car) is not a reflection of your mothering abilities. Don’t feel like cooking dinner and grab fast food instead? Forget to send your child in mismatch clothes for spirit day? If your child is fed, clothed, loved and safe — you’re a good Mom!
8. You will not be perfect and you WILL make mistakes … and that’s okay. Learning to sit with that uncomfortable feeling is difficult in the beginning, but it gets easier. Say you are sorry. If you learn to apologize or admit you are wrong, your children will learn to say sorry too.
9. You don’t have to do everything for your child and you don’t always have to say yes. It’s okay to ask for a break, to say no, or enlist others to do things you don’t want to do.
10. Motherhood is painful. It’s gut wrenching, distressing, worrisome, and HARD. But every bad moment is worth it for the countless good moments.
