3 Tips on being a good mom

Although my kids are still young, I wouldn't consider myself a "new mom" anymore. I certainly don't consider myself an expert in parenting, nor do I have everything figured out. But, having gone through my experiences, and talking with other moms I know this:

1. You can't be the best mom you can be unless you're good to yourself. Don't fall into the trap of feeling you always have to do for others and put yourself last. Take care of yourself, feel good about yourself, and have some fun. You will be a much better mom, I guarantee. There is nothing worse than a frazzled unfulfilled mom. Don't you think your kids deserve to see their mom happy!

2. Your kids don't care if the house is dirt free and all the toys are neatly in the toy box. If you are one that is constantly cleaning evaluate how much time is spent on this and the reasons why (although I'm not advocating you live in filth!). Is it stressing you out or are you burning yourself out? Take a little time to forget the mess and go outside and play, or go somewhere fun. The house will always be there, but your precious 2 year old will be grown up before you know it. Give them fun memories that will stay with them.

3. You can never have it all and don't kill yourself trying. I don't know anyone who has perfect kids, a perfect house, lots of patience, a perfect body, the perfect job, and a perfect marriage. Don't beat yourself up over these things. Everyone I've met who seemed to have it all together slowly became a "real person" as I got to know them. Some of us hide our imperfections and shortcomings very well. Or, maybe our issues aren't visible at all. Maybe you are a spendaholic, a TVaholic, a closet eater. If you have a problem, work on it. But, don't compare yourself to others unless you are using them as a model of where you want to be.

Being a mom is tough whether you stay at home, or work outside the home. I don't think we'll ever feel 100% adequate. However, if we feel we are doing our best, that's all anyone can ask for!