Things Every Mom Should Know

I was reading in my latest issue of Parents Magazine and came across an article that really hit home with me. It is "39 Things Every Mom Should Know", September 2009. It lists some things that, well...every mom should know. So I'm going to give you some of my favorites.

1. Don't make birthday parties a big deal.

2. Do your chores while kids are awake. Using up naptime to wash dishes or clean the bathroom is truly soul-crushing.

3. Just throw away the poopy underwear.

4. Don't beat yourself up if you have to use a bribe.

5. Don't forget about board games. You'll suffer through way too much Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders, but Connect Four and Battleship aren't half bad. And Clue rocks.

6. Know this: That stain won't come out. And it's okay. (The sooner you accept this, the better.)

7. Embrace their quirks.

8. Answer this question: What is the worst thing that can happen if your kids sleep in their clothes?

9. Teach them to pump on the swings, ASAP.

10. Get used to the word zerrissenheit. It means a state of disjointedness, and it's the new normal for most of us. At least you can feel fancy because it's German.

11. Buy kids deodorant before they need it.

12. Teach your children to make their own breakfast.

13. Use duvet covers on your comforters and forget about a top sheet.

14. Remember: clogging lessons are not in the best interest of the child.

15. Make sure your kids know how they like their eggs and burgers cooked. You don't want them to feel stress when ordering at the restaurant.

16. It's fine to brag about yourself to your kids.

17. Buy quaint wooden toys and hand-knit stuffed animals, but don't expect your kids to play with them.

18. Just say "No" to any toy or doll that comes withpackets that have to be mixed with water.
19. Teach them to like cool music.

20. Don't buy the most expensive school-picture package. It's a waste of money.

21. Put Band-Aids on everything your kids want you to. Why not?


Some of these I already do and this article made me feel less guilty about not doing them. Especially birthday parties. I always feel the need to have a big fancy shmancy party just because all my kids' friends do. Some of these things I am guilty of-- like being obsessive about not sleeping in their clothes and not playing enough board games with them.