Whether your child is 3 or 13, being a mother is always a struggle. Of course, the rewards of getting to see your little one learn about the world and grow up before your very eyes are worth all the hours of work and sleepless nights. But it can often feel as if you’re just winging it, and that’s because all mothers are winging it (but keep that between us). How do you know if you’re doing everything right? Well, there’s no universal answer, but the suggestions in this article should help you out.
Take breaks.
You’re allowed to take breaks. Many mothers feel guilty about this, but you shouldn’t. You’re only human - you can’t work like a robot 24/7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your friends and family from time to time. If you want to have a bit of relaxation time then your loved ones can keep an eye on your kids for you. You don’t have to work ceaselessly; it’s impossible to do that. You could even look into child care options in your local area. There are plenty of professionals out there who can keep an eye on your kids for you. Plus, it’s always good for your kids to be around their peers.
Allow your child to become independent.
Obviously, as a baby, your child isn’t ready to become independent. But it’s important not to mollycoddle your little one as they get older. You have to gradually allow them to find their own way in the world. You want your kid to be prepared for life as an adult so that they don’t have to struggle to learn everything very quickly. You should allow them to play outside with other kids. You can’t hold their hand forever, after all. Just make sure you educate them about the dangers of talking to strangers and make sure they remember your phone number and address in case they need to contact you.
Be there for them.
This piece of advice goes without saying when your child is still little and has no independence of their own, but it still rings true when your kid enters their teenage years. The best thing you can do is to simply be there for your kids. That’s how you’ll be a fantastic mother in the modern world. You might not always know what you’re doing, but your kids will feel safe and confident if they know that you’re always there to support them. Being empathetic is the key. You might not always see things in the same way as your kids, but being able to put yourself in their shoes and respect their emotions is crucial to being a good mother. That way, your children will know they can always open up to you. That doesn’t mean you should let them get away with anything, but you also shouldn’t chastise them to the extent that they’re too afraid to tell you about things that are bothering them.
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