Tips on Being a Better Mama!

No one can claim to be the perfect mother, and I am still in the very hard and sometimes very discouraging phase of trying to figure out how to even be a "Mommy" in the first place (something that I will be doing with TWO babies in two very short weeks), but what I do know is that my babies DESERVE the best mom, and I will do anything and everything in my power to BE the best mom to them. Something we should all work on each and every single day!

Here are some basic tips to help you on your way to being the best Mommy you can be:

1. Rise and shine. Wake up before your children (and feel free to do this for the hubby as well); have their lunches packed, breakfasts ready, and clothes laid out for the day. Be showered, refreshed, and geared with your morning cup of coffee. Starting the day off with a little bit of quiet time will do absolute wonders!
2. Energize. Have your coffee, of course, but make sure to start the day off with good, energizing foods, such as apples, bananas, or some yogurt. Take vitamins, and drink lots of water. You will be amazed how good you feel! If you want to be around for your children's lives, you have to take care of yourself. And setting a good example for them and their habits is EXTREMELY important!
3. Stay on time. This is an issue I hear about from moms ALL the time, but try to never run late. Running late equals frustration equals a "mean mommy." It means a disturbance of peace and chaotic children. Keep to your schedule as much as possible, watch the clock, and stay focused. You've got this!
4. Don't sweat the small stuff. I'm not saying to let the kiddos run around with dirt/food on their faces or snot running down their noses, but messy faces, disheveled hair, and spilt milk really won't matter 10 years from now. We have wipes, towels, ponytails, and the rest of our lives. Look around and find what really matters right now!
5. Stay active. Get off your bum! Dance in the living room. Play tag in the kitchen. Go exploring outside. Act. Do. Be a participant in your children's lives, not just an observer or a bystander. I guarantee you will have more fun twirling with the kiddos than sitting on the couch, plus the memories you will make are irreplaceable. Stay young at heart, and look at all the life RIGHT in front of you!
6. Unplug for dinner. No phones, no tablets, no TV, no disturbances whatsoever. Sit, talk, discuss, debate, question; and more importantly, listen. Listen to everything. The big. The small. The good. The bad. Keep your eyes up and your heart open because, no matter what, it's all important to them! 
• You can even think about starting a "Family Dinner Questions" Game to pass around the dinner table and get the conversation started. Print 'em out, cut the questions into strips, and put them all in a jar for your family to pull from!
7. Run on a schedule. Always be prepared for what is coming next. Know the drill, and hold your children to it. Life runs so much smoother when you know what to expect, and children flourish more when they have structure and routine.
8. Go with the flow. I know, I know, I just said stick to a schedule, right? But sometimes, life gets in the way. If something pops up, don't stress yourself out! If your child suddenly becomes interested in an insect crawling outside, get out the magnifying glasses and join him/her. If Dad wants to take them to see the Christmas lights after dinner, let them have a later bedtime. Take life as it comes at you. Enjoy it!
9. Learn from yesterday. Hopefully there were ups, and I'm sure there were downs. You might have even been ready to pull your hair out and cry by the time your hubby got home. Just learn from it and move on. Each day is a new opportunity to start over fresh and anew!
10. Be ready for tomorrow. Another beautiful day is coming whether you are ready for it or not, so plan for peace, excitement, fun, and accomplishment. Be ready. Be ecstatic!

Remember, even though it's never easy, never stop working to be the BEST mom you can be! Consider taking the 30 Day Mom Challenge here: