And, our conversation today got me to thinking about all the things I thought about motherhood prior to becoming a mom and how I think about those things now. And so I give to you...
I Never Thought I'd Be a Mother Who....
- couldn't keep her child's runny nose constantly clean. And, I certainly didn't think I'd be walking around in clothing covered in my child's snot, spit-up, lunch, etc. etc. My children (especially the 2 year old) often look like little street urchins. They are just constantly covered in dirt, bits of their lunch, or snot. I do clean their faces. I really do. But, it usually only lasts a minute or two.
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- didn't notice that her child's fingernails had grown into talons. Ah, how this one has haunted me. When I was working in childcare I remember noticing one kindergarten age boy whose nails had grown rather long. I remember tsk-tsking to myself that his parents were apparently too busy to trim their child's nails. Umm....I now stand guilty myself.- had children who had temper tantrums. I know. I know. Silly me. I really believed that temper tantrums were simply the result of poor parenting. Again, I stand corrected.
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- would lose her cool and yell. Nope. I was going to be the calm, ever-patient, yet firm mother. I would handle my child's misbehavior (which wouldn't be often because I was going to be such an awesome parent!) with skill and decorum. A simple change in the tone of my voice along with a serious look would be all that was necessary for my children to respond with respect and obedience. Hee hee!
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- allowed her children to watch too much tv. Of course in my household television was going to be a once in a while treat. And, that would be perfectly fine with my children because they would be so involved in imaginative play, crafts, games, and other activities. Then, I had 4 children in 6 years and suddenly allowing them to watch tv so I'd have a few minutes (or an hour or 2?) of quiet didn't seem so bad. Ok. I will admit. I really do want to cut down on the amount of television my children watch. It's a work in progress.
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I could go on and on. But, you get the idea. So, what are some things you find yourself doing as a parent that you never thought you would do?
1. I was going to be a mom who was always in control of her child...hahahahahah! Sometimes I'm not in control and I need to figure out how to get it back!
ReplyDelete2. I was never going to be a mom who ignored her child while they were having a tantrum in Walmart.
3. I for sure wasn't going to have a child that picked their nose! No way.
I agree with all of yours! I thought that way too! How silly it seems now :)
ReplyDeleteI never thought I would let my kids eat take out. Like ever. Well maybe once in a blue moon but that was it. I was gonna be Susie homemaker and make my family fabulous meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. HA! I actually have one of my favorite take out places on speed dial for emergencys!
This was excellent, Karen! Thanks so much for your transparency! I've learned so much since becoming a parent, mostly about how much *I* need to grow!!
ReplyDeleteI was never going to wash my child's face with a washcloth that looked like it was used to check the oil dipstick. Food stains washcloths! It's not dirty, it just looks dirty:-).
ReplyDeleteGreat list, Karen. We'll all in the same boat- the real mom boat.
Those are all very true. I was never going to let my kids eat junk food. I made through about a year with my first child. I would say that is pretty. good.
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