On parenting (my babies)

I think reading books is one of the most important things you can do with your children, no matter how young or old.  Oral stories are almost just as important.  I may not be the best story teller ever, but I try and tell Riley some made up stories at least once a day, a lot of times using real life people and things as characters, and she loves it!  I wasn't sure how much she was retaining, until she lay down next to her baby brother and started out with "Once upon a time, there was a baby named Jack Jack..." (how I start all her stories) and went on for a few minutes telling him a story, and I about melted it was so cute.

"Jack Jack give 'catterpidder' a kiss!!"

I think there is always time to play with your kids.  Time to sit and play playdoh and do puzzles and build towers, draw pictures and play chase, jump on the bed and go for walks.  There's always time.  Everything else can wait.  I think the bigger the mess, the more fun, even if it makes me cringe sometimes.  I think pretend play is incredibly important, and fostering imagination is crucial.  I believe in using daily tasks and activities as teaching opportunities. I believe your kids ALWAYS understand and absorb more than you think.  I believe in asking your kids tons of questions, and always taking the time to answer theirs.

Playing with playdoh at sunrise

I believe in trying your best to breastfeed as long as possible, but not feeling guilty (or making others feel guilty) for using formula.  I don't believe in judging other people's parenting choices just because they aren't for me.  I think it's okay to feed your 2 year old a peanut butter sandwich every day if it's the only thing she wants to eat for lunch.  I think sometimes no matter what you do, some kids are just picky eaters.  I believe in teaching your kids good manners (please and thank you), and in giving unlimited cuddles and kisses. I believe some of the best toys are just everyday items laying around the house.  I think it's absolutely fabulous to spontaneously grab the pajamed, sleepy almost two year out of bed to show her the hedgehog strolling across the front yard, or the totally awesome super moon.  You can be sure she will not forget about it the next day.

Coloring all over herself, sitting in her cardboard "boat"

I believe in trying to expose your kids to all kinds of situations and experiences.  I don't think preschool is essential, and I think homeschooling mamas are actually pretty awesome.  I believe in creating an environment where I don't have to say no all the time. I believe in positive parenting, and avoid the traditional stick-the-kid-in-the-corner time outs.  I believe in expecting good behavior, but in understanding that little kids are still just that- little kids, and need help to regulate their emotions.  They aren't throwing tantrums to spite you, even though sometimes it may feel that way!

I believe not all babies are good sleepers (in fact, many are not!).  I think bed sharing is awesome, but babies sleeping in their own cribs/beds is definitely nice too.  I believe babies will sleep through the night when they are good and ready, and for some that might not be for YEARS.  I also think that if you reach a point where lack of sleep is negatively affecting baby, and your ability to be a good parent, it is okay to do some sleep training. Your baby will not be scarred for life.  But I like to avoid that at all costs, if possible.  It just hurts my heart too much to hear my babies cry.

Riley wearing mama's shoes, and putting on her own shoes "ALL BY YOURSELF!!!"

I believe in letting kids learn by trial and error, even if there might be more tantrums that way. I think including your kids in all your daily routines is important-  helping with laundry and dishes, with gardening and sweeping, cleaning up toys and cooking dinner... even if it would be much faster/easier/cleaner to do it yourself.  I believe (appropriate) TV is not going to ruin your children, but think it should only be allowed in moderation.  I think cloth diapering is awesome, but is just not for me.  I used to cringe at the thought of my almost 2 year old still having a pacifier, but the thought of getting rid of it makes me sad since she loves it so much.

I think watching a child's language develop is one of the most fun parts of parenting a toddler.  I've been trying to teach Riley how to express her emotions through words rather than tantrums, and today, through some sobs, she stopped, looked at me and said "Mama I didn't like that, mama, don't do that" and I was just so proud of her and couldn't help but scoop her up and cuddle her and praise her for using her words to tell me how she was feeling (in case you were wondering, I put the lid on her sippy cup for her rather than letting her do it herself). 

I think electronic toys are annoying and not awesome for development, but keep a few around because Riley just loves them so much.  I believe bribes are just fine sometimes.  I believe in praising children for good behavior and small achievements, and in celebrating all the little things.  I believe in vaccinating and don't totally understand those who choose not to, but I'm sure they have their reasons.  I don't believe in only buying gender specific toys- Riley loves cars and trains and dolls and tea sets, necklaces and bugs and dirt and rocks.  I like the whole Montessori philosophy, but think people can get a little carried away and it becomes a little...strict? Formal? Not sure, I like to take bits and pieces from different learning styles and use what works for us. 

I believe in celebrating all holidays to the fullest.  Going totally overboard with Christmas and Halloween, Easter and birthdays too.  I think birthdays are occasions to celebrate BIG TIME.  I believe in creating memories at every possible chance.  I believe in putting the needs of your kids before your own, MOST of the time.  I also believe it's okay to have "off" days, days where your kids watch a movie (or two), where they eat fruit snacks for lunch and have pizza for dinner, where you don't go the playground because you just don't feel like.  That's okay.  You've got plenty of other days to make up for it.

I believe there are a million different parenting decisions to be made, a bunch of different philosophies, and even more people to make you feel guilty about what you choose to do for whatever reason. But really, I think most parents do what they believe is best for their baby, and that is really all that matters.  Every day I strive to be a better parent to my two little ones.  It really is the best job in the entire world.

I've got a few fun posts coming up in the near future, because, man we sure are having a good time over here. :)