I put the call out on Instagram stories (you can request to follow me @jesrmiller) to see if people wanted a weekend recap today or a Mom Hacks Monday post.
100% of you said Mom Hacks Monday. Ask and you shall receive...
Mom Hack #1: Petsmart
I get the feeling that places like Petsmart are a severely underused destination for moms of toddlers. We started taking Teddy when he was about 14 months old because he was obsessed with fish. When he first walked in the store, you would swear we were at the Shedd Aquarium. He was screaming gleefully, running around pointing to every single fish in every single fish tank. Now, we also oogle over the reptiles, birds, cats, and of course the dogs that are in daycare. This is such an easy and CHEAP activity for a rainy day. Just make sure to bring a sucker so that you can lure your kiddo out of there at the end without buying a lizard.
The best part is our Petsmart is across the street from a Chick-fil-a, so we basically have an afternoon made with that combo.
Mom Hack #2: Johnson & Johnson Hand and Face Wipes
My friend Ashley introduced me to these wipes!! They are the absolute best for running around with your kids, and you can find them almost anywhere. I'll often buy the generic version if available to save some money (Target has one).
They can obviously be used to clean up messes on your toddler's hands/face (and who am I kidding...my hands and face!), but I also like to think they double as a sanitizing wipe for things like the grocery cart handle, etc. They claim to wipe away 95% of germs and they still seem very gentle on skin. I keep a pack of them in my purse at all times.
Mom Hack #3: Recognizing Seasons
Becoming a mom for the first time (or second...or third...) can be overwhelming in so many ways. I dealt with a lot of anxiety postpartum and I think one of the things that really helped me was finally coming to the realization that "everything is a season." When you have a newborn, the season is: feed, change diapers, worry, no sleep, cry a little (or a lot), house is a disaster, on repeat. When you have a toddler, it's constant correcting, fighting to get them to eat, trying not to raise a monster, and maybe a little more sleep and cleaning than before. It's easy to want to rush through those time period to when you think it will be "easier" or to even feel envious of those who are in a different season of their life. Just remember - this is not going to be your exact situation one year from now, five years from now, ten years from now. I'm not saying that I'm encouraging wishing away any season. It's more about keeping things in perspective and compartmentalizing, because nothing is forever. Be in the moment and do the best you can. Bloom where you are planted. Someday, your kid will sleep longer than 2 to 3 hour stretches. Someday, maybe your kid will actually eat a salad. Some day, maybe you will be able to have a kid-free date night. Right now, love on your kiddos (and your life in general!) where they are and do the best you can.
Have a great Monday!! :)
xoxo
Jess
0 comments:
Post a Comment