I’m a super planner so I’ve always got emergency diapers and clothes in the car; I over-pack the diaper bag with activities to keep my nearly 2-year-olds entertained if we actually go out to dinner; I pull the tabs out on juice boxes so the girls don’t squeeze the juice out all over; I shop the dollar bin for activities and plan them to keep us all busy and learning. And, I have found amazing recipes that I can make ahead of time (even if it takes me all day) to be able to throw in the oven, so that I do not need to spend time during the witching hour cooking.
Mom tool
All of these are powerful tools I’m proud to have picked up as a mom (many from watching fellow mamas). But, I learn more and more that my MOST powerful tool, the one that not only makes me a better mom, but also a better person, is having perspective.
I’ll never
Before I was even close to having kids, I remember saying: I’ll never. . . . .(Insert what isn’t meant to be but ends up actually being a judgmental comment here). But guess what? After kids that all changed. Sometimes, it just does.
I used to think: How can you complain about your kids or being pregnant when I’m over here struggling to have my own? That changed-everyday I’m thankful for these crazies, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t hard, too. But I’m also conscientious about who I complain to–you never know who it’s hurting.
Perspective
I remember thinking I’d stay on top of behavior and have these awesomely well-behaved kids. And then I was blessed with the strongest willed not even 2-year-old there is and tantrums happen ALL. The. Time. They just do.
All of this has given me perspective at every stage of motherhood thus far, made me more open minded, and influenced me tremendously. It allows me to see the mom snapping at her kiddo in the grocery store & rather than judging, assuming the worst, or even putting my head down and turning away, I can give a reassuring smile and word of encouragement because who knows what kind of day, week, whatever she’s having–she just deserves a break in that moment.
It allows me to hear a child screaming and not wonder what the parent is thinking or doing in response, but just be thankful to not have to be the one thinking on my toes. It allows me to be in the moment playing hide and seek with my girls rather than worrying about the other to-do’s. And, it allows me to stop, even in those crazy moments when all three of my little minions seem to be needing something at once, and take a deep breath-because someday (I’m guessing) I’ll have another perspective that makes me thankful EVEN for this loud, patience testing, hard moment. If I can’t get there now, I’ve got busy-bags as another mom tool to get me through until nap-time.
