Since it’s Mother’s Day weekend, what better time than now to check in with some of the most beautiful moms I know…my best friends. Becoming a mother is something I greatly look forward to and, over the years, I’ve asked these ladies a multitude of questions about pregnancy and motherhood, trying to prepare myself for that eventual journey. I’ve always appreciated how candid they’ve been…sharing both the amazing stories and the not so perfect moments that come along with being a mother. I can safely say that I will be a better mother because of their guidance and incredible strength. They are quite simply rock stars in my mind and I love them dearly. But in writing this post, I was curious. I wanted to ask them to share two specific things with me: their number one piece of advice for moms to be and what their absolute favourite part of being a mom is. Here’s what they had to say:
1. My number one piece of advice would be to not compare yourself to other moms. Everyone has a different story, and you need to stay true to who you are. Oh, and I would also say to not be afraid to ask for help. It takes a village.
2. My favourite part of being a mom…. How can I pick just one thing? I think it’s just experiencing 100% pure love. I love them so deeply, that some days it takes my breath away.
1. My number one piece of advice would be to make time for yourself. Whether it’s taking a bath, taking an exercise class or taking a weekend away, it’s important to refresh and reset. This does NOT make you a bad mom – it makes you better equipped to handle the ups and downs of parenting.
2. My favourite part of being a mom would be watching them become these amazing little people, right before your eyes. Their view on life’s little moments is so refreshing and keeps you mindful of what really matters. As a side note, kids really do say the darnedest things! Yesterday, Cole had bumped his upper lip and kept telling me he hurt his ‘moustache’!
1. Don’t be too hard on yourself and trust your gut. There is way too much pressure on everyone (mom’s and dad’s) to be the perfect parent. You are allowed to walk away and take a moment to yourself, you don’t have to be Pinterest perfect or the best baker like grandma. Let your kids share in your own hobbies and interests and everyone will be so much happier. All your kids want from you is your love and attention, not the fanciest toys or latest gadgets (especially when they are in their younger years).
2. I love seeing the world through their eyes! Their reactions to pretty much everything are genuine and sincere. They are always 100% invested in the moment and we can learn a lot from them. Ty built Mila her outdoor island the other day and she pretty much galloped around the deck for 5 minutes squealing in excitement and I’m pretty sure she didn’t even know what it was at that moment.
1. Be present. All your children want & need is your undivided attention & love. Though, the days are hectic just try and take some good quality moments to look, talk, and play with them. Lay on the couch together and draw on their back while chatting, get down on the ground and be the T-Rex he/she wants you to be, or get out in nature bare foot with them and be happy! Be kind to yourself. Becoming a parent comes with a whole lot of self judgement with a side of guilt. This is something after 6 years I’m still working on. Self-care is key to this mind set – we are better mommies when we’ve filled our buckets up (even just a little).
2. I thought I could love, empathize, cry, worry, stress, laugh before kids but since having my girls it’s all been heightened to no ends. You see the world through their eyes and it’s beautiful.