Tips for New Moms

I love this little quote. I have said this all too many times. But how do you describe Motherhood to a new Mom? How do you tell her how beautiful and amazing it is, but also not sugar coat it? I'm going to give it my best shot friends! Here goes!

1. Your husband does not instinctively know how much help you need. You have to ask (not just "I need help." But, "I need you to take the kids for one hour a day so I can regain my sanity." Or, "Can you do the dishes after dinner today?" or, "Can you help pick up?" Right after baby is born, you need to ASK for this, "Can you take care of dinner and laundry and keep the house clean every day for a week or two?") He really just doesn't know. And, that's ok. Just ask. He probably feels clueless (and maybe a little pushed aside).

2. You will not sleep much at all and it will surprise you how much that affects your mood. So don't feel guilty for taking naps. If the house is a mess and you are emotionally ok, it's better for everyone. Taking care of you is important.

3. You will probably never finish a task uninterrupted again. It's just how it is. That focused time just isn't there. (I have gotten up to help my kids with one thing or another at least 5 times in the process of writing this. And I am barely started.) If you need focused time, hire a babysitter or ask your husband to take the kids for a while.

4. Get to Mom groups. You need them! Truly you do! It's easy to lose who you are and become JUST Mom. But you are so much more! You are an amazing, beautiful, strong woman.

5. You will constantly step over, on, and around toys. It's just how it is. If you pick them up in the middle of the day, they will be right back there in 5 minutes. And another area of the house may just turn into chaos while you do it.

6. After a bad day and yelling at your kids more than you ever wanted to, your 2 year old will still wrap his arms around your neck and tell you he loves you. It's the most humbling thing in the world. He/She might even ask you if you are ok.

7. Always be willing to apologize. It's harder than you think. Telling your child it was wrong for you to be so angry today and asking them to forgive you seems so demeaning (after all, you are the parent, you fell you are always supposed to be right.). You don't always have to be right. They will follow your example and it's part of teaching them how to make their mistakes right.

8. Take care of your own health. You can't take care of your kids if you don't take care of you. I mean physically, emotionally, mentally and Spiritually. You NEED to do this! I found some supplements and tools that helped me to take care of myself and my family physically, emotionally and mentally without chemicals here. I even found chemical free cleaner that I feel safe having around my kids. I loved finding books with short Scripture devotionals in them because those made it easy for me to make sure I fit it in.

9. Surround yourself with older women who can help you on tough days now. It might feel hard, especially if you are and introvert. But you will need them. So invest in relationships with 2 or 3 because no one can be there for you 24/7. You can add me to your list of people to reach out to if you want. No judgement here. Just love.

Are you a Mom too? What tips would you offer? I would love to hear from you too! I'm always learning and still on this journey called Motherhood, so I know I don't know everything yet.