Parenting Lessons

1. Parenting Lessons: I believe that there is no such thing as luck. Thomas Jefferson said, “I find the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have.” I love this quote! Yes, some people do seem to have some good fortune … However, if it is meant to be and you are prepared, work hard and don’t give up, and you can reach your goals.

2. I believe that we don’t meet people by accident; we cross paths for a reason. Every individual who comes into your life has a purpose. It may be to help you grow, to teach you, to love you, or even to hurt you – but no matter the reason, each person helps shape you into who you are meant to be.

3. I believe the children are our future. Oh wait, Whitney already told us that she believed that! It’s true, though. Take the time to teach them well and show them the beauty they possess on the inside! Make it a point to act as a good role model for our children. Lead by example. Teach them kindness and acceptance and find ways to raise a passionate child. Spend time with them, listening to them and talking with them. Don’t just tell them, but show them that they are loved each and every day.

4. I believe that there is not one singular path to or definition of success. What is success to you? Being a partner in a strong and loving marriage? Financial stability? Having happy and healthy children? Working your way to a position at the top of the corporate ladder? Don’t just dream about success – work for it! Remember that comparison is the thief of joy, so ditch that “Keeping up with the Joneses” mentality. The Joneses are lame-o’s.

5. I believe that happiness starts from within. You often hear people say, “If only I had money,” or “If only I had a spouse,” or “If only I had another baby, I’d be happier.” However, some of the happiest people are those with the least possessions. Until you are truly happy yourself, I don’t think the best job, the most handsome husband and perfect children can “make” you happy. There are things you can do be to be happy, but no one can make you TRULY happy except yourself. I want my kids to realize that possessions won’t make them happy, and I don’t want them to let other people be joy stealers.

6. I believe we should all carpe the heck out of the diem! It’s easy to get running on the rat race of life, the proverbial “hamster wheel,” and not stop and smell the roses. There simply aren’t always enough

Photo credit: flickr.com

hours in the day to get everything accomplished on your to-do list. I think the ole YOLO phrase is a little overused, but I think we should all live each day to the fullest and quit pushing the things and people who make us happy off to another day. Live in the moment. With that being said …

7. I believe (I know without an ounce of doubt) that these days of motherhood are ones we will miss. As a mom to a 3- and a 4-year-old, sometimes I feel bogged down by the scarcity of alone time and privacy, but I know these days are fleeting. I realize that the days are long but the years are short. These days are ones I will forever remember with a smile (and probably a flood of tears) and I truly do my best to always appreciate even the littlest moments. I know someday I will long for this affection and want to feel as needed and loved as I do right now.

What do you believe? Any parenting lessons you want to add to the list?

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Category: Moms

Tags: happy