Words of Advice for Alls Moms & Moms-to-Be...Happy Mother's Day Weekend!!!

In honor of Mother's Day Weekend, here is a list of things that most mothers should be advised about but often aren't:

1. Research as much as you can about childhood development.

• It will help you feel informed and slightly more prepared for what is going to come your way.
• Please remember though, that every child is different. If you feel concerned about anything related to your child's health and development, consult your pediatrician. That's what he/she's there for!

2. You do figure it out as you go along.

• Mother's intuition is real. God has blessed every woman out there with the ability to know what your child will need, when they will need it and how to fulfill that need.

3. You will be offered a lot of unsolicited advice.

• Do what works for you.

4. Do not get suckered into buying all those cutsie little outfits you see in the stores:

• they will only fit for a few days.
• no matter how much you wash them , Dreft will not get those baby stains out.

5. Document all firsts.

• Not only will it be good for you to be able to look back and remember important firsts in your child's life, but your child will more than likely eventually want to know about not only the time of his birth but his first vacation, day of school, etc.

6. You hear about how you should take lots of pictures. But video is quite a valuable resource.

• Wouldn't you rather see/remember your child in action?

7. Kids are always watching, even when you think they're not.

• Remember that your child wants to be just like you.
• If you learn to practice good habits, your child have no other option than to imitate the good!

8. You know the saying, "There is no such thing as bad publicity?" Well, with kids (and some adults unfortunately), it goes, "There is no such thing as bad attention." A child will do anything to get your attention (whether positive or negative).

• Do not give your child a major reaction (ie. yelling at them) for anything you don't want them to do again. This would only encourage them to do it again.

9. Be approachable.

• If you learn to control your responses to your child's actions way into their teens, your child will feel more comfortable coming to you and talking about any big decisions they are to make.
• Note: Talking to teens can tend to be more difficult than any other age group. It's the time when hormones tend to run rampant. Your child still loves you. You just may have to work harder to get through to them.

10. Be proactive in your relationship with your child.

• When you have an open line of communication with your child, don't wait for your child to come to you. (Ask them how things are going at school, with their after school job, etc.)
• Find out what your child is doing on the internet. What happens on "To Catch a Predator" is all too real, Folks. Don't fall into the trap of believing it could never happen to you or your child. There are predators of every age and type out there. (If you're interested in reading stories of actual families that have been targeted by predators, you can check out the highly rated book: To Catch a Predator: Protecting Your Kids from Online Enemies Already in Your Home)
• Never blame the media. In being proactive, you control what your child is exposed to.

Bonus: You never, ever get used to being a mom.....ever.

• 11 years from now, you will still look at your child and wonder aloud, "Are you sure this beautiful creation is mine????"

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND, EVERYONE!!!