Parenthood.

4-5 days a week I call myself a single mom as my husband is out on the road.

It is not easy, this parenting thing. It took me and my husband a few years and lots of practice to get pregnant. I had a miscarriage before each of my two beautiful rainbow babies. And while some days are harder than others, I will never take for granted the wonderful privilege of being a mom. Children don’t come with a manual and you can read blog after blog or book after book about how to raise your babies but here’s the truth - every child is different. Chances are if you have 2 kids, they will both need different parenting styles.

Finding that happy medium is not easy. In the beginning, I told my husband that I didn’t want us to be a yelling family. I didn’t want us to yell at our kids to get them to listen. Some days that’s just unrealistic. Some days it seems to be the only way to get the kids to listen. I can be as patient as it gets. Talking nicely, using please and thank you. Even hey, please don’t do that you’re going to break something, and it goes unheard. The second I yell the chaos calms.

We also said we never wanted to just put our kids in front of the TV and let it be our babysitter. Well, here’s the reality. Sometimes parents need a break. Maybe it’s just 20 minutes. Maybe it’s an hour. Regroup and continue.

I like to put on National Geographic or learning shows such as Dr. Binocs, T.O.T.s, Puppy Dog Pals, or Word Party when they are younger. Shows that teach them emotions, feelings, problem-solving, helping others, and the way of the world. Of course, this isn’t the only thing they watch but I try to keep the trash to a minimum. Later, I will tell you what works for us when parenting but the most important thing you must keep in mind is no 2 children are the same. Each child will learn differently and at a different pace. Children need love and attention in different ways.

It’s a lot. A lot to learn and it’s not for quitters. Is it worth it? Absolutely, 100%