My do's and don'ts of motherhood | South Bend Tribune Blogs

Meagan Church is a writer, a reader, a black coffee drinker; a runner, a golfer and a lover of nature; a wife, a mother and a wanna-be world changer. Her blog, DefiningMotherhood.com, explores her role as a mother of two toddlers, outside of clich?s and inside the reality of it all. She is also the author of the children's book "Unique as Pete: How Autism Does Not Mean Different."

---

I just read a post on Meagan Francis? blog The Happiest Mom that has inspired my own post.

Francis listed things she does not do as a mom, including crafts and playing Candyland. And she makes no apologies. It got me to thinking of the things that I have chosen to do and not to do as a parent. I do some things that other parents might find strange and even restrictive at times. Likewise, I don?t do things that I?m sure others enjoy or make time for. Of course my lists don?t fit everyone. But they fit our family, our choices and our priorities.

A few dos:

• Cloth diaper
• Make birthday video montages
• Encourage free play
• Limit TV watching to two hours per day (typically)
• Eat organically (as much as possible)
• Cook meals from scratch (most of the time)
• Keep a fairly orderly house (for the most part)
• Spend time in nature (often)

And now some don?ts:

• Scrapbook
• Join a play/moms group
• Iron
• Vacuum and mop frequently?even with two kids and three pets
• Organize activities and projects for the kids
• Take the kids on outings alone (especially if they cost money)
• Throw elaborate birthday parties
• Take them to library storytimes
• Sign them up for sports that cramp my schedule

To me, the important thing in parenthood isn?t about whether or not red dye #40 crosses their lips (though I might prefer it doesn?t) or if my kids have the opportunity to test out every sport imaginable (after all, tennis is all that really matters).

I?m not in this to be any sort of supermom who does it all, while wearing heels and a smile. To me parenthood is more about realizing who you are and who your kids are, and falling into the rhythm that allows you to grow together in a way that enriches your lives.Will our lists change over time? I?m sure they will. But, as long as we stay true to ourselves and our priorities, we can roll with those changes. No capes, heels or forced smiles required.

This entry was posted in Defining Motherhood. Bookmark the permalink.

Source: http://wordpress.sbtinfo.com/?p=1614

bls see see wal mart ps i love you current time emma watson