July marks my “Mamaversary”, the anniversary of when I became a mom. My son turns 12 and I can’t help but look back in wonder at the last dozen years of parenting and reminisce about all that I’ve learned.
Nor can I refuse the urge to share with you all that I’ve learned. Here are my words of wisdom, the 12 Things I’ve Learned in 12 Years as a Parent:
1. It doesn’t matter if you take your kid to pee wee soccer or pee wee swim or pee wee music. Seriously, unless you’re dying to get out of the house, it’s totally fine to start that stuff when they’re older.
2. There will always be a child that is smarter, prettier, faster, and funnier than your child. Which makes sense as there will always be someone that is smarter, prettier, faster, and funnier than you.
3. Yogurt and pudding cups should be opened by grasping the lid at the farthest point from you and peeling it up and AWAY from you. AWAY, I say.
4. Buy things when your friends’ and neighbors’ kids are selling them for fundraisers. Your child will be schlepping stuff, too, someday. We’re all in this together.
5. There is no limit to the amount of love your heart can hold. With every smile, laugh, touch, challenge, accomplishment or struggle, your heart grows bigger.
6. Not everyone is going to like your child, no matter what you or your child may do. The sooner you accept this as fact, the easier things will be. Don’t sweat it and move on.
7. Say No.
8. Stepping on a Lego with bare feet and trying to brush the tangles out of a curly-haired American Girl are equally as torturous.
9. I have no idea what I’m doing sometimes.
10. Parenthood smells. Vomit, pee, poop, regurgitated milk, sweaty tweens and teens–lots of things about kids stink.
11. Kids are who they are. It’s our job to nurture and encourage that rather than force them to be someone they’re not or someone we think they should be.
12. I have a lot left to learn.
There they are, the 12 things I’ve learned in 12 years as a parent. What about you? Have you learned any of these in your journey as a parent? What other funny, sweet, or true lessons have you learned?
I love these! Too many favorites to count. 🙂
Thanks, Angie!
#3!! My husband just learned this the hard way recently! I should have given him more practice opening go-gurt!!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted…Going Through The Emotions
Even I have to stop myself and really think about before opening anything for my kids (or my own yogurt at work!).
Never be too proud of how I look. Whenever I’m really happy with how I look, my children will miraculously find dirt and rub it on me.
That is an excellent lesson! Thanks for sharing.
Love your list! #3 I’ve already learned the hard way, and #10 is so my life right now. And #11 is one of the best pieces of parenting wisdom I’ve heard.
KAtie @ Pick Any Two recently posted…15 Easy Baby Gender Reveal Ideas
Thanks, Katie! And good luck with #10 right now! I have to admit I’ll take a slightly stinky tween over a poopy diaper. 🙂
Oh so funny and sweet! I think #11 is very important.
Melissa (Wading Through Motherhood) recently posted…Hey Kids, I’m Jealous of You
12 years of experience summed up.. hmm 🙂
… Agree with #2, #5 and #6.. a very important lesson to all parents..
sangeetha menon recently posted…Choosing the Perfect Name for Your Child – 10 Step Guide
I love your 12, it’s especially important to realize #5. My heart is just so full, but I always have room for more.
#4 YUP!
Thanks for sharing with us at Mommy Monday!
xoxo
Yes to number 11. I’m still working on that. My two are very different personalities and I’ve had to constantly remind myself to “remember that.”
I would also add a 13th. “Not every other parent and you will get along. Some of them will actually think you are quite odd. Ignore them and continue to go with your gut.”
Kelly L McKenzie recently posted…Parental Driving Instructions
Very wise words, indeed! One (of the many) reasons I like you so much is because I feel like you are guiding me with your wisdom through the next stages in my parenting journey. 🙂
All very true! Sweet List!
These are awesome tips, and I don’t even have kids yet. Congratulations on your Mammaversary! Thanks for linking up to the Blogger Brags party! I’ve pinned your post to the Blogger Brags Pinterest Board.
Sarah recently posted…Top Ten Tips for the “Green” Gardener