There is nothing quite as transformational as the moment you become a parent. It is a point in time that can be clearly divided into the time before and after kids.
Since becoming a parent myself, I have come to reevaluate many of my prior conceptions about life. Today I have collected my most influential “ah-ha” moments.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a vendor I have chosen to work with. I have received either paid compensation and/or free product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own based only on my own experience.
4 Pearls of Parenting Wisdom
Don’t sweat the small stuff
Perspective is everything. Many of you know the story of my decent into postpartum psychosis after giving birth. If I have learned anything from my experience, it’s that the day to day challenges of parenting are not worth getting worked up over. I am happy to be alive with a happy, healthy little boy who brings me more joy than I ever thought possible. It’s true that parenting is still difficult at times, but nothing can compare to that specific time in my life. When I look back at where I was then and how far I’ve come, I am nothing but grateful.
Parenting is not a competition
You don’t have to look far to find a fellow parent to measure yourself against. The president of you child’s school PTA, the neighbor with a perfectly clean yard, the soccer mom who brings every child on the team a healthy snack for their first game, and the list goes on…
Stop it.
The only mom or dad that your child cares about is the one who tucks them into bed at night; the one who makes sure they are fully clothed before they leave the house; the one who loves them unconditionally, and provides them a soft place to fall at the end of the day. If your child hits the pillow knowing they are loved, you have done your job well.
Ignore the haters
You know the mom with a superiority complex that always has a better way to ‘do parenting’ than you? Maybe they are someone you know well, but wish you could distance yourself from – a friend or family member who constantly questions or debates your every parenting decision. Maybe it’s an online troll, hiding behind their computer screen, eagerly spewing their thoughts on your latest parenting rant on Facebook.
At the end of the day, parents get riled up about other people’s child-rearing choices because they have put so much thought and effort into their own parenting decisions. They’ve read the own research, learned from those they trust, and come to their own conclusions that their way is the best way. If only everyone else would just listen to them…
Have confidence in your own decisions and learn to ignore the noise. Nod along or walk away, but whatever you do, don’t engage. You’ll be wasting valuable time and energy that could be better spent doing literally anything else!
Invest in Yourself
Stop putting yourself last and learn to take care of your own needs because your kids need a mom and dad who know their own value. Burning the candle at both ends isn’t doing anyone any favors.
One of my favorite ways to invest in myself and my marriage to book a sitter and head out for a nice meal. There is something magical about getting dressed up and doing something fun with your partner. It can improve your mood and boost your confidence.
Since I was a little girl I have always wanted genuine pearls but always thought they were out of reach. When I found Pearl Clasp pearls I was over the moon that they have price points for every budget and so many options. It felt so good to put them on for the first time. There is an old saying that when you look good you feel good. Those beautiful pearls were just the little something extra that made me feel like a sophisticated bombshell.
I would love to hear your thoughts on your own pearls of parenting wisdom! If you’re interested in investing in your own pearl clasp pearls check out their website! Also, if you already a set of pearls that need a little TLC, pearl clasp will also restring your pearls for you! Contact them on their website for a quote.
XO The Good Enuf Mommy
REALLY good pearls, especially it’s NOT A COMPETITION!! Lovely pearls too!
Thanks so much!
I do not have kids but a lot of my friends do. One of my friends now stays at home with her 3 little ones and she has not had a single day away from them since she quit working. I’m like “it’s ok to need time away from your kids!” I can’t imagine how exhausting it must be to be home with them all day every day.
It is so impressive how you turned a serious challenge into a life lesson. Pearls are the perfect way to celebrate change and growth.
One thing I have learned since becoming a momma is to stand my ground. I don’t need to explain my family’s decisions to anyone, but I also need to have a gentle answer to give when asked for our reasonings.
The necklace is beautiful!!
“Parenting is not a competition.” Amen! I hate when parents, especially moms, compete with one another. We are all just trying to do out best!
Those are wonderful pearls of wisdom. It is hard invest in myself but I know that is what I need to do in order to model that for my children. It is easy to get wrapped up in them (as we had four at one time and they were fragile as infants).
Yes to all of this! My main parenting pearl is to trust your instincts. You know your kid better than anyone else, so if you think there is something wrong, go with your gut. On the flip side, don’t let other people convince there is something wrong if you feel like there’s not.
Love this post. Parenting is too busy to be a competition. Every season gives you new challenges.
Great post! It’s hard in the beginning not to sweat the small stuff, but it didn’t take me long to just ignore the haters, or as I like to call them, the jealous bitches lol.
Lol Sue!