A Job Nothing Can Prepare You For- Happy Mother's Day!

Being a mom is something I always wanted. Even as a kid, I knew motherhood was in my cards in one way or another. One thing I did not anticipate: IT"S HARD! Hard in a fulfilling and welcoming kind of way.... but hard.
I have not read this yet, but the title "I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids" by Trisha Ashworth always elicits a chuckle for me. In my first 3 years of foster care work, I was a case manager working with seasoned foster parents and usually mothers of their own grown children. I would work with them on behavior management and how to handle the parenting woes of kids in foster care. I was "well trained" in Common Sense Parenting and MAPP Foster Care Curriculum, and had a practical parenting tip for all situations. I would be empathetic to their needs, in a very textbook kind of way. I wish I could go back and give "young me" some advice- to not give advice. There is truly no way to know what it's like until you've been there. For me, I am sure the foster parents appreciated me trying hard, but really... there is no textbook for this job!
Here is me four years ago:
- if they won't sleep, let them cry it out
- if you say no stick to it no matter what
- kids don't get to ask "why" when told to do something
- no spanking
- no junk food!

Here is me 2 kids later:
- 2 kids in our bed just about every night at one point or another , lots of cuddling. I never had the will to let them cry it out. I'm not ashamed or sorry about this one!
- Trying hard to stick to what I say, but knowing my kids well enough to know when they are exhausted or not feeling well and need compassion not stern discipline.
- Actually enjoying explaining "why" questions because of the adorableness of the curiosity behind it
- A little spank on the behind never hurt anyone!
- Mostly fruit, veggies and lean meats, but treats are commonplace around here!

And, I love it.