a thank you

[neonalee]

This is a thank you to the mommas (and daddys I'm guessing) of the mothering forums. I (like may of us probably) am not on nearly as much as I used to be. BUT I've found that reading the topics here really creates a change in my parenting. When I read about mommas with angry kids, aggressive kids, kids that won't use the potty, kids that pee anywhere BUT the potty, kids that need to learn X, etc, the responses always inspire me to be better. I am reminded to be kind to myself and DS, to be patient with myself and DS, and to pay more attention to him. That this behavior isn't the end of the world, that many have been there and are there right along with me. I'm reminded that DS isn't "bad", he's a toddler. I read tips on coping and appreciating. And I don't have to worry (much) about weeding out parenting styles that are contrary to what I believe in.

So thank you to all the parents asking advice, giving advice, and sharing tips and resources and stories.

[Mosaic]

Aww... that's so sweet!

[P.J.]

This place is great! I came here most often when my son was a baby. He's my first and there is such a steep learning curve. MDC made that curve less steep. I have read loads of good parenting books, but there is no replacement for other parents who've BTDT sharing their experience and tips and tricks. Sometimes none of the advice I've gotten here helped, and I just had to wait it out. In those times it helped tremendously knowing I wasn't alone, and having people who'd come out the other side tell me "this too shall pass". I try to pass along my positive stores to other mamas too, to give back some of what I've received from the circle of parents here. Even though it's important to have other mamas in person to share support with, it can be hard to find them (although I can also credit MDC with introducing me to three mamas who have since become good friends....and I am in Europe!) , and then hard to find the time to get together as often as we'd like. I love that MDC is always here for me.