Eliie, 18 x 24, Charcoal, Memphis, TN
Over my ten plus years as a professional artist who specializes in children’s portraits, I’ve talked to a lot of moms about their experiences being parents. So for this Mother’s Day, I’d like to share the top five lessons from moms like you.
Take time for yourself. Whether it’s date nigh with your husband, a mani-pedi, a workout, or a tennis lesson, taking time for yourself helps you be a better mom. As one collector put it, when mom’s happy everyone’s happy!
Go easy on yourself. If you’re worried you’re not a good parent, you’re probably a great one! Don’t be so hard on yourself and realize we’re all just doing the best we can. No one is a perfect parent or has it all together all the time.
Being a mom is not a competitive sport. This one goes hand-in-hand with #2. We’ve all heard of “mom-petition;” the moms that try to do and be everything to their kids and seem to have it all together. Learn to relax a little and know that every child is different. It’s OK to have a bad day and what your friends do might not be best for your kids.
Listen to advice but do what works for you. When you’re pregnant everyone starts giving out advice on everything from child raising, to sleep training, to how to feed your baby. Take the good advice and discard the rest. Be polite and say thank you, but at the end of the day do what’s best for you and your child.
Kids grow up so fast. Probably the most important piece of advice you can hear. Children are young for only a fleeting amount of time. Savor it.
Moms, what are the best lessons you’ve learned raising kids? I’d love to hear it!