You know, being a mom of three can feel like a rollercoaster ride sometimes—up, down, and all around! Just the other day, I was in the kitchen trying to whip up a quick dinner while simultaneously refereeing a disagreement between my two daughters over who gets to pick the next movie. My son was bouncing around like a little kangaroo, ready to show me his latest ninja moves. Honestly, I couldn’t help but laugh at the chaos! There I was, juggling pots and pans while also playing referee, and it hit me: motherhood is a beautiful mess, isn’t it?
I’ve been on this wild journey of motherhood for quite a while now, and I’ve learned that it’s not just about keeping my kids fed and happy; it’s also about being the best version of myself. I mean, how can I expect to raise three little humans into kind, thoughtful adults if I’m not taking care of me too? So, I’m always on the lookout for ways to be a better mom.
That’s why I want to share five great tips that have helped me along the way to become a better mom. I agree there have been plenty of ups and downs, wins and fails. But these tips aren’t just for the perfect moms you see on Instagram; they’re for all of us who sometimes feel overwhelmed or like we’re just barely keeping our heads above water. If you’re looking to feel a bit more empowered in your mom journey, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into these tips together and see how we can support each other in this crazy, wonderful adventure of motherhood.
Tip 1: Prioritize Self-Care
Okay, let’s talk about something super important: self-care. I know, I know—when you’re a busy mom, the last thing you think about is taking time for yourself. But trust me, taking care of yourself is one of the best things you can do for your family. When I’m feeling run-down and stressed, it shows, and the kids definitely pick up on that energy.
So, what can you do for a quick self-care routine? Well, you don’t need hours at a spa. Even just ten minutes of meditation in the morning can do wonders. I try to sneak in a little yoga or even a brisk walk while the kids are playing outside. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just something that gives you a break from the chaos. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel afterward, which helps you be more present and patient with your little ones.
Setting aside “me time” doesn’t just help us; it helps the whole family! When I take that time for myself, I come back feeling recharged and ready to tackle whatever comes my way—whether it’s homework struggles or a sudden urge for a pizza party in the living room. It really does create a more positive vibe at home.
I remember one night after a particularly hectic week, I decided to take a walk and just relaxed at a nearby park, leaving all gadgets aside and gazing at the green trees and chirping birds. When I came back home, I felt like a new person! The next day, I had so much more energy and patience for my kids. We ended up having the best day, full of laughter and fun. That little moment of self-care made such a difference in my mood and how I interacted with them.
Tip 2: Practice Patience and Understanding
Next up is the big one: patience. Being a mom is like being a walking test of your patience sometimes! Kids can be so unpredictable. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, someone spills juice all over the floor or starts an argument over who gets the last cookie. It’s important to remember that they are still learning and growing, just like we are.
One technique that really helps me is counting to ten. Seriously, when I feel my frustration rising, I take a deep breath and count slowly. It gives me just enough time to cool down and approach the situation calmly. Breathing exercises work wonders too. I’ll take a moment to inhale deeply, hold it for a few seconds, and then let it all out. It sounds simple, but it really helps clear my mind and keeps me from reacting too quickly.
When I can practice patience, it opens up better communication with my kids. I’ve noticed that when I take the time to understand what they’re feeling, we connect on a deeper level. For instance, there was a time my son came home from school upset because he didn’t get picked for the team. Instead of brushing it off, I sat down with him and asked how he felt. We talked it out, and I could see that just listening made him feel better. By being patient and understanding, I helped him process his emotions, and he knew he could trust me to be there for him.
Tip 3: Foster Open Communication
Now, let’s dive into open communication. This one is a game-changer! I’ve learned that keeping the lines of communication open in our family helps build trust and creates a safe space for everyone to express their feelings. I always encourage my kids to share what’s on their minds, whether it’s something exciting that happened at school or something they’re worried about. Trust me, this gets pretty overwhelming at times when all of them wants to share their day with me. But this also makes me extremely happy that I am “their person” whom they turn to for everything.
A great way to encourage this is to ask open-ended questions during dinner or while we’re doing something fun together. Instead of just asking, “How was your day?” I might ask, “What was the best part of your day?” This way, they’re more likely to share their thoughts and feelings. Plus, active listening is crucial. When they talk, I try to put down my phone and give them my full attention. It shows them that what they say matters.
I had a heartwarming conversation with my youngest daughter not long ago. She was feeling nervous about an upcoming school presentation, and instead of brushing it off, I made a point to sit down and talk about it. I shared my own experiences of being nervous in front of people and how it’s totally okay to feel that way. We went over her presentation together, and I could see her anxiety fade away. By fostering open communication, I deepened our relationship, and she walked into that classroom feeling much more confident.
Tip 4: Create a Family Routine
Let’s talk about family routines. I know it might sound a bit boring, but having a consistent routine can really change the game for our households! When everyone knows what to expect, it makes life a whole lot smoother. Routines give our kids a sense of security and help them feel more settled, especially in those crazy moments.
Think about it: when we have set meal times, homework times, and bedtime rituals, it helps our kids know what comes next. For example, we have a rule that dinner is at 6 PM every night. Before dinner, everyone has a little bit of time to unwind, which is when we sometimes play a quick board game or just chat about our day. After dinner, we set aside time for homework, and the kids know that they need to finish it before they can have screen time. This structure helps everyone know their responsibilities and what to expect, and it gives us a little peace of mind.
I can’t tell you how much less stressed I feel when we stick to our routines. One typical evening looks like this: after dinner, we all sit down together for a family meeting—yes, I know that sounds a bit formal! But really, it’s just a chance for us to check in, share our highs and lows of the day, and plan for the next day. It’s nice to see how it connects us as a family. Everyone feels included, and it becomes a time for laughter and bonding.
Tip 5: Celebrate Small Wins
Now let’s move on to celebrating small wins! This is something I’ve learned to really embrace as a mom. With so much going on, it’s easy to forget to acknowledge the little achievements, whether it’s getting through a tough week or finishing a school project. But celebrating these moments can really lift everyone’s spirits and remind us all that we’re doing great, even when it doesn’t feel that way.
You can find simple ways to celebrate, like having a family night where we watch a movie or play a game together. Sometimes I’ll leave little notes of appreciation in my kids’ lunchboxes. A simple “I’m proud of you for trying hard in school!” can make their day! Acknowledging these small victories helps boost their morale and motivation, and it also reminds them that hard work is noticed and appreciated.
Just the other week, my middle child came home with a fantastic report card. Instead of just saying, “Good job,” we decided to celebrate! We had a pizza night, complete with all their favorite toppings and a big cake for dessert. It was such a small thing, but it turned into a big moment of joy for us. Everyone felt special, and it reinforced how important it is to recognize our efforts and achievements, no matter how small.
So, to wrap it all up, here are the five tips we’ve covered to help us be better moms: prioritize self-care, practice patience and understanding, foster open communication, create a family routine, and celebrate small wins. Each of these tips is important in its own way, and together, they can truly enhance our motherhood journey.
Remember, perfection isn’t the goal—progress is! We’re all just trying our best, and that’s what matters. I hope you feel inspired to try out some of these tips in your own family life.
I’d love to hear from you! What are some of your tips or experiences that have helped you on your journey? Let’s share and support each other in the comments! Together, we can create a wonderful community of moms who lift each other up.
