The days are long but the years are short.

I can’t even count the number of times I wished she was ready for the next phase. Once she learned how to roll over, I couldn’t wait for the moment I’d get to see her crawl. Then I had the delight of watching her take her first step. After she learned to make certain sounds I couldn’t wait for her to say “Momma.” Now she says it so frequently it sometimes annoys me. 🙂 Yet those moments I wanted came and went by all too quickly. Cherish where they are. You don’t get this back.

2. Anger doesn’t accomplish anything

No matter the situation, anger only fuels the fire. It’s so hard to stop yourself in that moment of frustration and think ok, what’s the best way to deal with this? it’s never anger. So when you feel yourself getting to that tipping point, take a breather. Sometimes we need a time out more than they do. Accept the moment and move forward, then you can re-approach the situation while you’re calm.

3. Buy or trade used clothes, shoes & furniture

Thrift stores and places that trade in children’s clothing are under rated. Our children grow out of their clothes and shoes so quickly. Don’t waste your money on expensive or name brand clothing. Recycle and give back to the community!

4. Don’t sweat the small stuff

Don’t cry over spilled milk (or gatorade, or coffee, or anything). Seriously. Don’t. At the end of the day, you did your job. You carried this tiny human into the world and you spend every day protecting and loving it. Focus on enjoying this time and learn how to wade through the storm.

5. When all else fails, distract!

If my daughter starts squirming during her diaper change, I give her a toy to hold to distract her. If she’s getting into something off limits, I try to change her focus onto something that I would prefer she be doing instead. At the end of the day, things will have gone much smoother and with less irritation if we spend more time diverting their attention and less time disciplining them. By doing this we are teaching them that there is always an alternative. They don’t have to resort to fussing because they didn’t get their way.

6. Sleep when they sleep.

I’m sure you’ve heard it a million times but it’s true. People underestimate how much time and energy is invested into those little suckers. It takes a lot of patience, endurance and strong will to get through the day with a child. Rest when they rest. Don’t worry about the housework. Your sanity and well being is more important.

7. Don’t beat yourself up!

You’re human. You’re going to make mistakes. Beating yourself up is part of the process but don’t let it interfere with your life! Pick yourself up, learn from it and move forward. That’s what becoming a better parent & individual is all about.

Please feel free to share any tips and advice on parenting that you found useful! Thanks!

For more advice on parenting, check out my Pinterest board “Parenting”

♫ I’m listening to: Two Door Cinema Club ~ What You Know