Momisms

Being a mom can be the most rewarding job you’ll ever have. It also can also be the hardest job you’ll ever have. My husband and I have four children. It hasn’t always been easy but it is something I would never ever trade. My children are grown now and these “MOMISMS” are little tidbits of information, advice and lots of love shared with them. Remember... you are the parent! You are in charge! You are the adult. You are not there to be their friend, you are there to keep them safe and to learn to make good choices. We are our children’s first teacher. We need to set boundaries and follow through on consequences. It is a time to be loving but not giving in to them. When our children are grown we can look back and say, “We did a good job!” We worry about them always but we must believe they have learned to be happy, caring and successful adults.

1. Tell them you love them...many times during the day! Even when you are upset with them
2. Tell them they are smart and they can be and do anything they put their minds to. As long as they put forth the effort.
3. Tell them to think before they speak. Words can hurt people. We as parents must think before we speak also.
4. Hug your children as often as you can. A hug says you love them without saying anything at all.
5. Sing songs to your children. They love hearing the sound of your voice.
6. Read books to you children. It will help to give them a love for learning.
7. Babies and children are comfortable in routines. It’s good for you too.
8. It’s ok to tell your children they drive you crazy but you always love them.
9. Teach your children to follow rules. It’s ok to question why but the rules are there to keep them safe.
10. Teach your children to think for themselves. Tell them if it doesn’t feel right then it probably isn’t.
11. Tell your children you are proud of them.
12. Teach your children to use the buddy system. It’s much safer to be with others.
13. Teach your children it’s ok to make mistakes. That just shows they are learning to do things for themselves.
14. Teach your children to keep smiling. It might be the only one someone sees.
15. Tell your children you believe in them.
16. Tell your children the story of their birth! It makes them feel special and loved.
17. Tell your children they are talented... and mean it. Find one thing they are good at and let them know you’re watching them and they are good at it.
18. Babies are fragile... be gentle and kind! They won’t break but being gentle helps them learn sympathy and empathy.
19. Teach your children it’s okay to be alone. You don’t always have to have someone with you. You can be happy with your own company.
20. Try not to make meal time a struggle. They will eat when they are hungry. If they want to leave the table and play then mealtime is over.

Being a parent is hard work. What works with one child might not work with another child. When your children are young you have small problems; scraped knees, hurt feelings or not getting what they want. When your children are growing up the problems become bigger; dents in cars, speeding tickets, boyfriend/girlfriend troubles or just their hormones kicking in. It was not all sunshine and rainbows when my children were growing up but we all survived with love and laughter too. What I have learned through the years is saying I love you, I’m proud of you and I will always be here for you helps my children and me stay connected.