Parenting: It gets easier, right?

[mom_after_ed]

While I started this blog without a specific goal for how often I would post, I admit that I’ve been posting less than I expected. A big reason is that I've been picking up more hours at work as well as following the Dinner: A Love Story plan (aiming for at least one major sit-down hot meal a day as a family). We've been successful and despite the

Comments

Are you getting it right?

[ext_1637496]

The most important thing is that she feels your love. Many children live in less than perfect conditions, but it is the unconditional love of parents and family that nurtures them into healthy, happy, productive adults. I know you have the obvious things together like diet, stimulation, toys etc and I know that you have a big heart. Share that heart with her, tell her you love her and let her feel your love in your touch, in your voice and in your vibration. No worries! You are a great mom.

Re: Are you getting it right?

[mom_after_ed]

Thank you! As Helen brought up a few entries back, Todd and I are both going by the "all you need is love" mantra. I know B. can tell that she is loved beyond belief, and I make sure to say (and sign) it to her many, many times a day. And I have an unbeatable village behind both of us--couldn't do this alone!

[ladyeuthanasia]

Well, I have no parenting experience, so I can't really weigh in. But I do know plenty of people like myself who grew up in less than ideal situations and still managed to come out of it with gifts galore. If I had you for a mom, I know I would have had an even more successful life. So I hope that puts things in some perspective. You are a lovely person in every way!

And OMG YOUR BABY IS UNBELIEVABLY FREAKING ADORABLE! :-)

[mom_after_ed]

Aww, thank you!! I would be over the moon if Berlin turns out to have your skills, talents and approach to life! What you say really does help to put things in perspective. Sometimes I get so tripped up by the long view...and it helps to focus on the day to day--and on the things I'm doing well right now. You rock:-)

[flame_song]

I don't have kids, but from what I see when I am around friends who do, all I can say is: Perfection is both unachiebable and unnecessary. Everyone makes mistakes, and no parent and no child is perfect. You are not a robot that never errs, and your daughter is no computer that will malfunction if you type one wrong digit. What your little lady needs is an overall feeling of being loved and cherished and accepted, as well as clear rules coming with the freedom to explore her world

[mom_after_ed]

You've hit the nail on the head there--I haven't yet really thought about what to do when I make the inevitable mistakes that come with parenting and just simply living. What you say resonates with where I'm at and helps me plan for things to come. I'm going to try to keep in mind that it's not so much what mistakes I make as how I deal with them. Using them as teaching tools and ways to recalibrate sounds so much more accessible to me than striving for perfection and listening to that constant inner critic. And like you say, paying attention to the signs that she gives me is a great guideline too. Thank you:-)

She says, "Hey, Mama!"

[ext_1711208]

I think that this happens to every mom. And that every mom thinks it's only her. Oh my goodness, the things I would worry about. And still do. Sometimes it feels that out of all of my choices, there IS no good choice. Take school for instance. Public, private? Homeschooling? I can see risks and benefits for all three. Will he socialize enough? With a public school, yes, but is it the kind of socializing that I want? Could I "make it," as a homeschooling mom, or would I collapse in a heap on the floor, crying?

Re: She says, "Hey, Mama!"

[mom_after_ed]

Oh Jen you read my mind...and the mind of the collective maternal it sounds like. Hearing you admit that makes me feel even more connected. I am sure I'll have the same thoughts when it comes to schooling *I sense a phone call down the line*. :-)