Nuggets of Wisdom from my Mom

Krista asked me to share a few ideas about motherhood; and I feel honored to do it. One thing for sure, I’ve learned a lot in the process of raising my 2 children. Experience IS the best teacher! Here are some random thoughts about some of the things I’ve learned along the way –

1) Being a mother has been an awesome experience that I feel privileged to have had. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life – and to be able to see the wonderful adults both of my children have become.

2) Much of child-rearing boils down to having and using your common sense as well as learning through trial-and-error.

3) Every child is unique and different. Sometimes you think you have something figured out with one child, but it is entirely different with another one. One of my children loved to sit and “read” books while the other was much more interested in kicking a soccer ball. One of my children potty-trained herself in a day; it was a “process” for the other one. (Each child has his/her own personality, abilities, interests, etc.)

4) Motherhood has its ups-and-downs. It is the most challenging job you could ever have. Sometimes you almost burst with pride at your child’s behavior, accomplishments, etc. Other times can be very trying (for example, dealing with a strong-willed toddler or a rebellious teenager).

5) Motherhood changes your life – it changes you. The awareness of the great responsibility I had as a new mother hit me like a ton of bricks – but made me grow-up into a more mature woman.

6) I learned that you need not worry so much about most things (don’t sweat the small stuff). There isn’t necessarily only one way or only one right way to raise a child.

7) The most important thing is to give them unconditional love. I feel that a parent’s job is to love and nurture, to accept and encourage, to teach and guide and help your child grow into a happy and responsible adult.

8) I feel blessed that I was able to be a stay-at-home mom while my children were young. I wouldn’t give those special days with my children for anything.

9) My advice to a mother raising her children today would be to embrace and enjoy this time of your life because these days will fly by quickly. And then you’ll be left with just the memories.

10) And last, I just want to say that a most wonderful surprise to motherhood is being a grandparent. It is such a wonderful feeling of happiness and joy to see my daughter in this role as mother to my precious angel – my grand-daughter!