I promise to fill our days with laughter, connection, play, new adventures, learning opportunities, wholesome meals, and timely rest for everyone. I will organize playdates with fellow moms and their little ones, because let’s face it, they keep us all sane. But if a day comes filled with tears, sibling squabbles, boredom, poor snack choices, and naps gone awry, I will accept it and strive for a brighter tomorrow.
I will resist the urge to devour an entire bag of chocolate or chips in an attempt to soothe my frustrations, as that will only lead to tighter pants! Instead, I’ll lean on my friends via text and get the kids outside as soon as possible. And if it rains and we can’t go out, I won’t feel like I’m under some cosmic punishment. I’ll come up with a new plan, even if that plan is just a trip to Target.
I will be mindful of my budget, both at Target and everywhere else. I won’t fall for the temptation of that $8 box of organic cookies at the overpriced grocery store. I’ll use the Internet, magazines, and recommendations to find free or affordable activities. Groupon will be my trusty sidekick in my mission to avoid paying full price for anything.
I’ll steer clear of the “Land of No” and instead migrate to a place of positive requests. I’ll aim to empathize rather than chastise, communicate rather than shout, supervise instead of condescend, and breathe instead of boil over. Thanks for the wisdom, Jesse Jackson!
I will prioritize time for exercise to keep the crankiness at bay and to avoid that “I’m four months pregnant” look that calls for a new wardrobe. Regular personal time will also be on my schedule. If I find myself feeling overwhelmed, I’ll make a plan, find childcare, and step out of the house dressed for a workout (or maybe even a cocktail).
When meltdowns happen, I’ll stay calm and collected. I won’t get swept up in the whirlwind my child has become. I’ll give them space or hold them, depending on what they need. I’ll be prepared to soften their falls with a blanket nearby as they thrash about like someone in a wild fit.
Every Sunday, I will map out our dinners for the week so that I’m not a stressed mess every evening at five. I’ll prioritize sleep. When the kids nap, I will not clean, write, call, email, or scroll through social media, only to find that my unpredictable napping child has woken early and stolen my precious rest. If necessary, I’ll set an alarm to ensure I can get a little power nap before preparing dinner.
I’ll remember that potty training is a journey and that my kids won’t be voting in the next presidential election wearing diapers! I’ll embrace the occasional use of the TV as a tool for some downtime—after all, PBS is a good thing in moderation.
I’ll also invest time in nurturing my relationship with my husband, ensuring we enjoy each other’s company as partners, not just as mom and dad. I’ll keep myself informed about the latest parenting strategies and strive to be more like June Cleaver than Roseanne. Yet, I will not beat myself up over the things I forget or can’t get to.
I will remind myself that even when I stumble, even when I raise my voice, even if my kids watch an extra episode of Caillou, I am still a good mom. And they are as fortunate to have me as I am to have them.
For more insights into parenting and home insemination, check out this great resource on pregnancy. If you’re looking into at-home options, this kit can be a helpful guide. And for more parenting wisdom, visit our privacy policy.
Summary:
In this heartfelt commitment, Jenna Matthews shares her aspirations as a mother, vowing to create joyful experiences while acknowledging the challenges of parenting. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, positive communication, and maintaining relationships, all while navigating the ups and downs of motherhood with humor and grace.