mothering by me

Almost everyone I meet seems to have their own opinion of what you should and should not do as a parent. Typically when someone tries to tell me how I should be doing something, I simply smile, nod and quietly say thank you as I drastically roll my eyes in my head.

I definitely will be the first one to ask for advice if I am totally lost on how to handle something (this is where my veteran mom bestie Regina comes in), although I can't help but chuckle to myself when someone tries to read me a parenting how-to line pulled out of a book that was first written over 20 years ago.

Here's a run down of things I do as a mom that Dr. Phil probably wouldn't approve of:

I let my kids sleep in my bed - I don't care how many people tell me this is a bad habit. My little snuggle bunnies (yes I just used "snuggle bunnies" in a sentence) are only little once, and I remember always being scared at night when I was a kid (in fact, I was straight up TERRIFIED of the dark). I don't care that my kid needs me to fall asleep. In fact, I think it's endearing.

I let my toddler watch TV - not like a crazy amount or anything, but hey, if it's going to help me cook dinner or get some laundry done I am all about some Yo Gabba Gabba dancy dance time.

I tell my kids how it is - If Jonas asks me about something I tell him exactly what and how it is...how will he learn otherwise? I had a friend over the other day who was appalled that Jonas said butt and boobies. What am I supposed to tell him Dylan is eating from and where his poop comes from?! I have also seen that another power mom I know, Stephanie, is amazing at this and I commend/admire her for it!

I let my toddler eat sugary cereal (and other various candy every so often) - I know this drives my mother in law nuts (sorry mom!), but how hypocritical would I be if I told him he couldn't have some as I shove my beloved fruit loops down my throat? Plus, m&m's work wonders for potty training.

I pick my kids up as soon as they cry - I don't care how many people tell me I shouldn't do this and that it spoils them (how can a child be spoiled with love!). As soon as a little whimper comes out of my kids mouth my heart tears right in 2! I never let my kids cry themselves to sleep, I don't put the baby down for a second when he's fussing, and I never just let them sit there and cry it out.

The list goes on, but you get the picture. I'm not saying the way I do it is best, but all I know is that the way I mommy is the way for me!