sMotherhood??

As a mother of four kids I have decided to write about the things I have learned so far. To start at the beginning which for me would be Abram. He was a very easy going kid who loved to escape all the time. He was very friendly and smart right from the start! Those days were easy. I think if I could do some of it over it would be to change to a better routine. Abram got to grow up with Aaron and I as we were very young when we had him. Letting him stay up till 11:30 and then never making him sleep in his own bed said to him, we are equals and you can do what ever you want. I couldn't see it at the time but I just thought I was being nice and I didn't want to make him sad. Now of course I know that a set schedule is important to all of us.

I can honestly say that you can learn a lot from the Super Nanny. Crazy I know, but I learned of course not until my fourth that you can put your child to bed and they Will go to sleep. In their own bed! Anyway. These must seem like the little stuff but it all leads to the big stuff. What you are like when they are little determines what and how they will treat you when they are big!!! I think a lot of people have told me that my kids are great and how do I do it? I feel blessed however they aren't all teenagers yet! I have to learn a new form of patience every day! I have to also keep reminding myself that they have minds of their own. I can't determine whether or not they will choose what I would like, or what they would. I can only try to guide them, if the choose to let me into their world. I remember when I was young I didn't tell my family much and I didn't feel like they would understand my feelings. I feel somethings you have to go through on your own terms. I am going to try and stay a part of their lives as they will let me. I know they could lie and tell me only what I want to hear, but I hope and pray they won't. Some of my kids have already come to me with things that are hard to hear. I have had to bite my lip and just hope that with not jumping to conclusions they will continue to trust me with what they are going through no matter how embarrassing or difficult.

All in all, I just want to say that you learn as you go with kids. If you stop learning your not paying enough attention to what is really going on. I think you have to have boundries and show you love them all the while. I have learned that you can't treat them all the same either. What works with one doesn't always work with the others. Remember to love them and tell them they CAN do anything they want in this life and to always try your best. This is what I want for my kids. Also, for them to love others and be helpful and kind too. I wrote this down for anyone to read but also for myself to remember what I am here for. I am a mom who wants to keep trying my best. Not perfect but my best.

thanks~Amy

P.S don't forget your sense of humor. Laugh more!!