I'd NEVER Do That as a Mom!

My wise self in 2004

I remember visiting some friends when I was pregnant with my first child.  The mom had a young daughter.  The little girl was climbing all over her mom while the mom was trying to talk to my husband and me.

Finally, the mom grabbed the daughter's arm, gave her a gentle push away, and said in an exasperated tone, "Get off!"

I didn't say anything, but I could not believe my ears!  How could she treat her precious child that way!  I would NEVER be that kind of mom.

Four kids later I say to my old self--HA!

So here are:
  Things I'd NEVER Do as a Mom

I would NEVER snap at my kids.  "Go to your room!  Pick up your shoes!  In the car, now!  Beeeee niiiiice!" Ya, I morph into that mom too often.  Not actually yelling, just snappy. 

I would NEVER let my kids eat junk food.  For my daughter's first birthday I called everywhere (with no success) to find a healthier birthday cake.   My second daughter's first clear word? "Candy!"

I would NEVER bribe my children.   This one didn't even occur to me.  I wouldn't need to bribe my kids.  They would be angels because I would be an exceptional mom.  I should have succeeded, but after a couple months of consistent crying from my newborn, I was burnt out.  Giving her a few extra milk feedings made her blissfully silent, at least while she was drinking.  And so the bribes began.  I thought her extra baby fat rolls were adorable. 

I would NEVER raise messy kids.  Cleanliness hasn't always been my strength, but I was planning to change my ways.  I was going to be a pristine example to my children.  They would, in turn, keep a perfectly clean room and even do chores without being asked.  Huh.

I would NEVER use the TV as a babysitter.  Yes, I think I've put on, and even watched, every kid's show known to man.

I would NEVER ever have to break up fights with my kids.  Please.  They wouldn't have them.  Or if they did, I would quickly intervene and educate them on how to get along. Sure, I fought with my brothers all the time growing up, but I would just explain to my children how to be nice and they would obey.  Surprisingly, they are not so fond of listening to my lengthy monologues on kindness...unless I bribe them.

I would NEVER take my child-filled life for granted.  I was 28 when I had my first child.  I was mature.  I had waited a long time to find the right guy and have a little one.  I love my kids and I endeavor to be a better mom every day.  But!  Occasionally I still lose sight of my sweet motherly attitude.  Please refer to my paragraph on snapping.

So, in closing, whoops.


Grumpy Grateful Mom Goal:  I will attempt to reserve my motherly judgements.