How are you a good Mum?

[Learning_Mum]

So usually I'm quite down on myself. I feel bad because I don't play with my kids enough or I yell too much or whatever then last night I had a sudden realisation that I may not play with as much as other Mum's might but I do have good qualities:

- I always give hugs and kisses whenever they want them
- I have never broken a promise to them. I am careful with my promises and make sure I always keep them.
- I am always there if they cry.
- I am always on time! When they're at their Dad's on the weekend I call at 6.30pm on the dot! I'm always early to get DS1 from kindy. I am totally reliable.
- I always listen when DS1 talks.
- I never lie to them.

So I figured that I may yell too much, or not play enough but at least they should (hopefully!) grow up knowing that I'm always there for them and they can always rely on me and that's pretty important, right?!

So what do you do that makes you a good Mum?

[sarahdavida]

I know how you feel - I get down on myself because I don´t do enough this or that...but I try to remind myself that there are so many other ways in which DS benifits from having me as a mom - and I have to trust that.

I am there for him and I know he knows that - I (we -DH and I) provide a home where I know he feels loved and unjudged - where he can feel free to grow and develope in his own way - and that the limits we provide for him are for his benefit.

We can´t be "perfect" at/for everything - and I actually think it would be a disservice to try to portray that we are - because it´s just not realistic. We have particular likes and dislikes - strengths, etc. just like everybody else.

For a child to grow up and learn to appreciate that people are different, and respect those differences, is important. They can look forward to spending time with and enjoy different people for different reasons.

But to have a mother they can trust, who they know will listen to them - who can freely show affection - that is infinitely important.

[Learning_Mum]

Originally Posted by sarahdavida

But to have a mother they can trust, who they know will listen to them - who can freely show affection - that is infinitely important.

Awww, thank you!

[blessedwithboys]

i always advocate for whatever is my kids best interests, and i'm not afraid to step on toes to do it.

[mommariffic]

I am good at dispensing a ton of hugs & kisses.
I never say "no" to reading a book out loud
Most days, I answer the 450866890 questions dispensed by my two year old with my best answers.
I try to make mundane things a little whimsical
I really just love being a mom, and I think that's important. Sure some days suck and I'm frusterated and I yell and am grumpy but in the end I LOVE IT and wouldn't change it -- I think DD can sense that.

[MusicianDad]

I currently have braids with beads in my hair because DD was bored.

And a scribble on my arm in marker because DS wanted to "decate (Decorate) dada too!"

[*bejeweled*]

I try to be a "yes" Mom. And try to limit my "nos" to the things that really count.

I give lot of hugs and kisses and say "Good Morning Beautiful" every morning.

I try to put her first---her happiness and safety are my priorities.

I read lots of books and I'm trying to learn piano notes so I can help her with her playing.

I being her Mom.

[lifeguard]

Good idea for a thread. I'll post some at another time as I am feeling like the worst mother ever right now & can't think of my redeeming qualities.

[butterfly_mommy]

I lie with him while he falls asleep, even when I am really busy)

I love him unconditionally and I tell him throughout the day.

I don't make fun of him or let others (calling him stinky butt)

I try to be a better parent every day

I am learning to honestly forgive myself and find love for myself unconditionally

[emaye_to_2]

Well, I am the sole breadwinner for our household which involves 40 hours of work every single week. Also, I make keeping in touch with nature a priority for our children.. gardening and playing in the backyard, hiking or walking around nature parks several times a week, vacations that involve camping and adventure. We also discuss lots of topics ranging from religion to science to history openly and comfortably together.

[meemee]

am i a good mom?

no clue. one thing i have learnt is that no matter what i think, its dd who makes that call. and that depends on how she views life. which really has nothing to do with what I do.

that said, i totally parent from the heart.

i am brutally honest. which means not only do i tell her how much i appreciate the thing she did, i also tell her what she is doing that is irritating me.

mostly though i think where i shine is tha i thave a true partnership going. she gets to have a say in almost every walk of our lives. i change my mind often after she gives me a good enough reason to do so. so while in one breath i told her no icecream for bfast, i changed and said yes the very next moment.

an archaeological picture really touched me. it was the result of a volcano erruption thousands of years ago. and there in the ruins are the skeleton of a mama sleeping with her older child (probably around dd's age - 7) with her arm around the child. to me that is what dd and i are all about. cosleeping intertwined.

[Sharon, RN]

This is my older DS 1st year in soccer, and he needs extra practice. DH was unavailable, so I took DS 1 & 2 to the soccer field and kicked goals to DS1 (practicing goalie) for an hour while wearing DS2 in the Maya Wrap.

Yes, Virginia, some days I'm a SUPERMOM!

[HappilyEvrAfter]

Aw, what a wonderful thread!

I do alot of the things already listed, but I still feel like a terrible mom after our evening last night so I'll just ^5 this thread for now.

It's a heart warming thread....

ETA: I did let my son paint my finger and toe nails a hideous color last night while still smiling so maybe that qualifies. :-)

[*bejeweled*]

Originally Posted by butterfly_mommy

I am learning to honestly forgive myself and find love for myself unconditionally

Yes, this is key. I am trying to, first and foremost, be kinder and gentler to myself. This makes for a loving home.

[BarnMomma]

I hope I'm a good mom. Some things I guess I can't be sure of, but these are the things I feel pretty confident about:

I make damn sure DS (and growing baby in tummy) eat healthy home cooked whole foods every day, for every meal.

I never stop reading and researching things like health, vaccines, parenting, development, classes, groups...I try very hard to make educated decisions and I hope I can avoid the phrase "well I just didn't know any better" down the line.

I appologize when I'm wrong. There is no mommy pride gong on.

I make sure DS gets plenty of outdoor time every single day and he can get as dirty as he wants to.

I will drive wherever and however long for fun.

I will always offer hugs, cuddles, and kisses, and sleep sharing. I say I love you all the time.

I don't break my promises to DS.

I will never not be available for my children.

[Norasmomma]

I'm there for my children.

I'm silly.

I am a great cook and bake cookies.

I love them so much.

We may be broke right now, but Dh has been home and this has been the most wonderful 6 months of my life. Not really a quality but since DS has been born my whole family has been together and it has been time that I will cherish-always.

[aussiemum]

I'm a good mum because I actively ask for my children's opinions. Not just for the little things like 'what do you want for lunch?', but the bigger things too. And their opinions & ideas really count to me, they have amazing insight into things that adults might think they have no clue about- like the pros & cons of buying a different house, for example... huge decision & their input is very important....

I'm a good mum because I ask how my children feel when they are going through a life challenge, or even when everything seems to be smooth sailing. And then I wait for them to talk, & I don't talk over them.

I'm a good mum because I snuggle in for a cuddle & chat before bed every night, & when I'm away from home & near a phone, I talk to them before they go to sleep.

I'm a good mum because I try to support them in every school & after-school activity that they want to do- even if it does mean that I have to juggle my other responsibilities.

I'm a good mum because I try to make sure that they have a home-cooked family dinner in the evening, their homework is completed, their heads are nit-free & they get to bed for a good 10 hours sleep every night. Of course not every night is ideal, but I do try.

[PhotoJournMama]

I agree, this is a really great idea for a thread! It's so easy to look over our day and notice the bad things that stuck out while looking over the wonderful things that we do everyday. Here are some of mine:

I listen to my son and take his opinions into consideration. He only has to ask for something once for me to respond to him - I don't go into autopilot and tune him out.

I read and research all the time. This is beneficial because I learn a lot about issues that are important to our family, such as attachment parenting and nutrition, and also because DS sees me enjoying books and learning every day.

In the same vein, I am always willing to read a book to him when he wants to.

I give lots of hugs and kisses, smiles and laughter throughout the day. Even during a bad day with lots of meltdowns we can snuggle down and start fresh.

I take being a SAHM seriously and always have things to keep him stimulated, but also let him play in his own world when he is in that kind of mood. Also, I take him outside everyday.

[Super~Single~Mama]

I steal kisses at every opportunity

I'm always happy to see ds in the morning (no matter how early he wakes up!)

I love going to the park and running around playing "chase" with him

I'm super excited to see who he grows up to be!