Being a mother of three, I’d like to say I’ve seen it all. I know I haven’t, as each child is unique…but I think I’ve seen a LOT. My kids have always been a handful. They aren’t “normal” kids, which I know most everyone says. Since they were very young they have been really hard to deal with. My two oldest children have mood disorders, which makes every day life very challenging. Since they were very small I’ve had to deal with things thrown and broken, being yelled at, kicked, embarrassed nearly every time we go in public. It is challenging to say the least. There are many things that help me get through it all.
Pick your battles
There are things that make me mad all day, every day. Some days I just want to run away and hide because it has been all day screaming, crying and fits. Calgon take me away! I learned to just let some things go. It’s hard to do, but sometimes I have to sit back and ask myself…Is this really worth a fight?
This administration does not negotiate with terrorists….
Okay that’s at least what my husband says. If you tell the kids to do something, then they need to do it. This isn’t a time for negotiating or giving in. Stick to your guns. It is hard and tiring some days, but really, in the long run it is all worth it.
Family first, cleaning second…
Yes, I’d love to have that perfectly clean house all the time. I’d love to be able to have people show up and not be trying to hide things that are out of place…..don’t act like I’m the only one that can do a mad dash and get the living room presentable in 10 minutes when you get a call your friend is on their way! Spend your time with your family and live in your house. Don’t be worried about keeping everything perfect all the time.
Let the music move you
One of the best times we have in our house is dancing together. We turn the music on full blast and everyone acts silly. Everyone seems to enjoy that time together more than anything. Put on music..any kind of music and get everyone up and dancing. It isn’t just a great way to bond, but it’s a great exercise as well!
Dinner at all costs
Schedules do not always allow it, but having dinner together is a very important time in our household. We always try to have dinner together and if we don’t, it just feels wrong. I feel disconnected from my kids. Sit down, talk and see what is on your kids minds. You’ll be surprised at what you can learn during one dinner.
Don’t cry over spilled milk
Well don’t yell over it. Kids will spill, kids will make a mess…..but it’s all cleanable. Let it go. I bet your kids will be so upset at themselves for spilling that having you there to comfort them and help them clean up will really be a great experience for your family. I always have to stop myself when I see my daughter pouring her own glass of juice and it spills all over the counter and into the drawers that she left open “KYLIE WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!? PAY ATTENTION!” is the first thing that comes to mind but I try to stop myself and realize that it isn’t like she did it on purpose…..it was an accident…let it go. :)
Just get a wipey!
My kids are out of diapers and I still keep wipes around my house and in the car….the car especially. These work to clean up messes and give the kids a quick wipe down before getting out of the car to go in somewhere. You know what I’m talking about. You park to go to a store and look at your child that is somehow covered in a red sticky mess all over their face and hands. Just grab a wipe! Quick, easy and done! I keep Huggies Natural Care® Wipes around because they seem to be the most durable and pick up the most mess. They clean faces, hands, arms, legs, shirts….really everything. I’ve even used them to clean up messes on the seats themselves.
Huggies has partnered with Poncho de Anda and Lina Amashta who are real parents and understand how important it is to have diapers that hold up to these little wiggly, gooey monsters that take over our houses. Poncho and Lina have used Huggies since their daughter was born 2 years ago….but have found that with the improvements Huggies has made to their Snug & Dry Diapers, they work even better than before!
Visit the Huggies Latino Facebook page to share tips/stories with other Huggies parents and to participate in the contest to win a fully stocked Huggies diaper bag!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by and in collaboration with Huggies and Latina Bloggers Connect. All thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own.
About Amber
great tips!