Most of the time, our lives involve us going to school, and WalMart. In my happy little world, I think of myself as an above average mother doing and providing all these things that mothers do. However, the more mothers that I am around the more insufficient I feel sometimes. Over Spring Break, I have had the opportunity to be out in public more with Addie at Chick-Fil-A, shopping, the zoo, the aquarium etc.
I see all these mothers doing all these things and it leads me to think do I do that? Is my working bad for her? Did I breast feed her long enough? Am I not getting on to her enough? Am I feeding her the right things? Do I talk to her enough? Does she feel loved? on and on the list goes.
Then I started thinking about Dads. They have it so easy. If a Dad changes one diaper in a day and helps carry the diaper bag in from the car, they are considered above average. Thankfully, Jeremy does help with Addie and household chores.
I realize that this is something most mothers go through. But I am starting to realize it. As I watch my bestfriend, Jamie mother her daughter, Maebrie (7 weeks older than Addie). We both do things very differently and are teaching our daughters different things but one is not better than the other. I guess this is what makes the world go around. I always knew that home environment had a large part in who we were but now that I have my own child I am realizing it more and more.
So this is my open forum. To all my friends who are mothers and daughters, I am asking for comments with the one piece of advice that you would give to someone. Maybe something that you wished your mother had done, or something that your mother did do, or something as a mother that you have learned!
Thanks to all the mothers I know!
5 comments:
Well to begin with...you are a wonderful mother! And Jeremy a wonderful father! I am so proud of both of you. I think the best advice is take one day at a time and do the best you can. Everything passes and changes...don't over analyze everything...just love her and enjoy her every minute because at a blink of an eye she will be grown.
I feel the same way you do. I wonder if Drew is getting everything he needs from me...do we talk enough, read enough, sing enough, learn letters and numbers enough. Am I relying on daycare to teach him things that I should be teaching him. But I think we just do the best we can and love their guts out. I do think that I've been trying to hold my temper a little more. I get frustrated easily and I need to watch that where he is concerned.
My sweet Andrea,
Don't worry, be happy! You are a fantastic mother, and Jeremy is a fantastic father. Addie is very blessed to have both of you for parents. And you are very blessed to have her for a daughter. Remember, the apples don't fall far from the tree, and so I know Addie will be fine.She comes from good stock. On the other hand, it is natural for you to think about these things. I agree with your mother, just love your precious little one,love her, and love her some more. The only other thing for advice is to teach her to be strong...in character, in mind and in spirit, and teach her compassion. In other words, to love God and to love others.
Ma
I have been feeling the same way, so because I feel insufficient, I don't have any advice, because I'm sure you do it better than I do :). Sometimes I see another kid Gage's age doing something that I haven't even thought to introduce to him yet and I think "man, I'm a bad mom!"
Well, I am not a mom...yet! My day will come soon enough. :) But, I do know that Addie is a very happy little girl and a very smart little girl. You can always tell good parents by a happy child. :) I also know that that little girl is VERY loved by everyone she comes in contact with, especially her mommy and daddy. I love her to death! So, you are doing a GREAT job! :)
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