Advice from a MOM

Scenario #1:

If you plan on getting a snow-cone for your 2-year old, expect this…

My Advice:

Think about bringing a bib.  Or at least choose a color other than blue…such as pink, white, or yellow.  Be aware that the food coloring that enters the body also exits the body.  I actually have a picture of her diaper, but my father would kill me if I posted it.  In 7 1/2 years of changing diapers, I’ve never seen anything like it.  Let’s just say, it looked like AnnaLeigh ate a smurf!

Also, if you have children, invest in OxiClean!  It works!

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Scenario #2:

If your son will NOT get ready for church and you have begged, pleaded, and insisted, and then from the other room you hear him giggling and cackling hysterically, you may find this…

My advice:

Laugh, because it truly is funny.  Take a quick picture and allow the family to enjoy the moment, because we all know how horrible chaotic Sunday mornings before church can be.  Then instruct your son to get himself dressed before dressing the dog next time.

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Scenario #3:

If you plan on sleeping late, expect to wake up to something like this…

My advice:

Don’t kill her!

Calmly tell her that this was a BAD decision, and she is not allowed to exit the room for anything except a potty break until all these items are put away in their proper places.  Leave the room.  Shut the door.  Check on her periodically.  Calmly state again that she can cry and whine, but she is not allowed to leave until it’s cleaned up…even if that means she misses lunch or PROM.

Expect to hear screams, tears, “I can’t!” and “It’s too much!” but HOLD STRONG!  She made the mess, and she can clean it up!  This here mess took about 5 minutes to create, and only took 2 hours (of screaming and tears) to clean.  But she did it…by herself…and i didn’t kill her…or even spank her…although I wanted to.

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Whew.  Breathe!  It’s hard being the MOM!

Take comfort in knowing that there are other mamas (and dads) out there going through the same MESS you’re going through!  Try to smile at the crazy things your maniacs are doing today.  It’s so hard for me to remember that simple little piece of advice!  I need to remember to laugh!  It’s not usually my first reaction (or second or third.)  I’ll give it a try this week.

Happy Sunday!

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can LAUGH at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and FAITHFUL INSTRUCTION is on her tongue.

-Proverbs 31:25-26

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