Secrets Of Happy Moms
by Carrie Lauth
Have you ever noticed how some Moms seem to be very contented and confident in their
role as Mothers, and others seem chronically stressed and approaching burnout? Why
are some Moms unflappable and able to keep their sense of humor, while others overreact
to the slightest stressors in their day?
I'm currently observing and interviewing these happy Moms as I conduct research
for an upcoming book. While all Moms are different, these women usually have several
of the following traits in common.
1) They keep it simple. I know one Mom who grocery shops every two weeks and buys
the exact same thing every time to prepare the same menu of 14 dinners. Why does
she do this? She's picked the family's favorite meals for her menu to save herself
time and arguments at the dinner table. Anyone with kids knows they like to eat
the same things over and over! This Mom has decided not to reinvent the wheel twice
a month. This is just one example of keeping it simple.
2) They teach their kids to be independent. This doesn't mean they leave them to
their own devices all day. But a smart Mom knows that a 2 year old can put a dish
in the dishwasher, a 4 year old can prepare his own peanut butter and jelly sandwich,
and a 7 year old can sweep a floor (albeit imperfectly!). Call it "outsourcing"
for Moms.
3) They drop the SuperMom complex. Not sweating the small stuff seems to be a common
trait of happy Moms. They learn to pick their battles. Getting buckled into a car
seat? Not negotiable. Pink paisley pants with the orange plaid shirt? Fashion creativity.
Happy Moms also realize that being an awesome Mom doesn't mean being a perfect Mom.
'Nuff said.
4) They can often be overheard repeating the phrase "This too shall pass". It doesn't
mean that bothersome behavior in kids should be overlooked, for discipline is a
huge time saver in the end. It means that Moms realize that children are...well,
uncivilized creatures, and that much uncivilized behavior will simply go away on
its own as the child matures. Smart Moms are also keenly aware of their child's
development and don't expect more of them than they are able to give.
5) Smart Moms take care of themselves. They don't blame the baby for their extra
weight when the baby in question is potty trained! They put emphasis on good nutrition,
avoiding too much by way of stimulants (caffeine, sugar), they get adequate rest,
and daily exercise. They realize that you can't pour from an empty bucket.
6) They live in the moment. Happy Moms realize that the days are long but the years
short. It's not that they are impervious to stress, it's that they have learned
to lower their expectations and be in the moment when things get difficult. When
your toddler is puking all over the house, this is not the time to reorganize the
hall closet. A sick day then turns into a time to create sweet memories of hours
spent reading and cuddling on the couch.
7) They don't worry about what others think. Whether it's the disapproving glare
from the old lady in the checkout line, the Mother in law who is convinced you're
starving the baby by breastfeeding, or the Pediatrician whose medical advice strays
into parenting advice, happy Moms learn not to give too much weight to the opinions
of those who don't live in their home.
8) In other words, they trust their instincts. Whether it's taking the baby to bed
with them so they can get more sleep or taking a bullied child out of public school,
smart Moms know that they are the expert of their own babies.
9) Happy Moms have "something else" It may be a part time home based business or
a hobby like belly dancing. These Moms know that some day their babies will fly
the coop, and they make sure they have a passion that will give them purpose when
that happens.
About the Author
Carrie Lauth helps Moms turn their interest in natural family life into an income
at http://www.NaturalMomBusinessGuide.com
For more great articles and resources for Moms doing things the natural way, visit
http://www.natural-moms.com
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