How To Be A Mom

Narls wrote me a story for Mother's Day entitled How To Be A Mom. It's a sweet story scrawled in his six-year-old handwriting that I cherish. It includes gems like "you kiss your kid goodbye" and "you cook dinner for them". 

I appreciate his advice. Being a mom, specifically a good mom, is something I strive for. I rarely feel I achieve it, I lose my temper, I zone out, I occasionally choose to go to spinning instead of baseball practice, but I try. Every single day I try.

I've only been a mother for six years so I know I'm not an expert at parenting. I have been a daughter for 34 years though, and those are the years I reflect upon the most when parenting my children.  I remember situations of my youth and how my mother and father handled them and how those reactions left me feeling; I then try to mimic, or completely change, my reactions in similar situations for Narls and Emerson's youth. 

There are similar themes that I notice pop up time and again. In honor of Mother's Day, I thought I'd share some of them with you today.

Show affection. Let them know they are loved. Snuggle on the couch while you watch a movie, hold their hand on walks, give goodnight and good morning hugs and kisses. Let them see you kiss their father and hug their grandmother. Talk nice and be nice.  Teach them how to love.

Let them be their selves.  Let them cry and laugh and shout and whisper.  Support their natural talents and help them strengthen their weaknesses.  Encourage them to play dress up and to imagine they are doctors and dancers.  Let them learn who they are and what makes them happy. 

 

Believe in them. Be their biggest supporter. Hang their art work in your home. Let them know that you are over-the-moon proud of them. Encourage them to try new things and be independent. Give them the confidence of knowing you will be always be there.

Always be there.