Advice I wished I'd known when my kids were littles.

If I would've given myself these words of advice as a new Momma, my parenting journey would've been much more confident, relaxed, carefree and a lot more intentional. I hope a few of these will resonate with some of you and help to alleviate some unnessasary "Momxieties". Let's get started.

1. Everyone has experienced a tantrum/meltdown. If it wasn't their own child, at one point it was them. Remember this next time you are at the store and your child is having a tantrum. IT'S LIFE BABY (no pun intended). There is NO reason to get anxiety over this. If you feel embarrased, go ahead and leave. Try it another time. But if you have to get something important, carry on and finish your shopping. You are a human and have rights even if your child is trying out for the highest pitch voice in the world.
2. No one cares or judges your belly pooch but you. And if they do, they shouldn't be in your life. The END!
3. No, you do NOT need another glass of wine, beer, cocktail, shot or all of the above because you've "had a rough day" and need to "take the edge off". What about tomorrow? Who is going to Mom? That's right, you are! Buckle up and avoid the hangover because not only will it suck for you, it sucks worse for your kids who have an extra tired, burned out Momma!
4. Take that shower. Go on that walk with your dog, friend or partner. Go out to eat with your Mom, Dad, Sibling or friend. Take that Yoga class that you saw on Social Media. Meditate in your back yard. Summit a mountian. Do something for yourself. Treat Yourself with LOVE! You deserve it.
5. Take advice with a grain of salt. Every child is different and you know your child better than anyone else, so listen to yourself, first. Yes, people have lovely advice but it doesn't always work for your child.
6. Don't label your children. Maybe she's not shy, maybe she just doesn't feel comfortable with a certain group, person or situation.
7. Don't I repeat DON'T make your children say things to strangers (even if it's a long distance relative they've never met) or even worse give hugs, or do anything they don't feel comfortable doing!
8. Do live intentionally! Enjoy all the little moments you can. I know, it's easy to say when you're not in the thick of it. Yes, it's hard, most the time thankless work, but the benefit of having raised an amazing human far outweigh all those times you felt hopeless and so tired!
   Enjoy Them