Just in time for Mother’s Day, I’m happy to share with you the following list as compiled by Dr. Sharon Fried Buchalter. She is a clinical psychologist, life coach, public speaker, hypnotherapist and author. Two of her books, Children are People Too and New Parents are People Too have received many honors and awards.
Twenty Five Ways to Be the Best Mom Ever
1) Listen attentively.
2) Let your child know you are always there for them.
3) Constructively guide your child, but do not demand that they do things.
4) Be your child’s coach and mentor.
5) Cheer your child on, through thick and thin.
6) Treat your child with respect.
7) Compliment your child’s smallest achievement.
8) Spend time being a child with your child.
9) Don’t be too harsh or critical.
10) Teach your child to be all he can be without doing things for him. Instead, teach him how to do it for himself
11) Love your children for who they are, not just for who you want them
to be.
12) Spend the moments of the day letting your children know they are special.
13) Treat your children as you would expect to be treated.
14) Cherish time together with your children.
15) Never deny your children the most precious gift- your time and love
16) Keep a journal. Don’t keep emotions pent up inside. Moms go through a lot of emotions – pour them into a journal or find another way of expression that works for you. Consider it a time when you can have an open conversation with yourself.
17) Take time to smell the roses- literally. Very often we, as mothers, get caught up in our daily routines of errands, play dates, classes, etc. Take a break once in a while and take your child for a spontaneous walk, smell the flowers in the garden, point out the birds and planes in the sky. This is a great opportunity to relax with your child, experience new things and break up your everyday routine.
18) Make sure your child knows that you are always there to listen to his thoughts or concerns. Children may not always open up right away, but if he knows you’re there for him, he will come to you when he is ready and needs you.
19) Make sure the lines of communication are open between you, your child and his teachers. Be aware of what is going on in his life and at school. The more you know, the better.
20) Take time for YOU! Make some time every week to do something for yourself- take a bubble bath, read a book, take a jog or a swim. Whatever you enjoy; do it!
21) As moms, it’s easy to lose our identity as a woman. Try to make time for yourself to take a long shower, do your make-up, or whatever it takes to make you feel good. Just because you’re a mom doesn’t mean you can’t also feel like a woman.
22) Plan a date night! Be sure to schedule alone time with your spouse. It’s easy to put our relationship on the back burner when we have so much to focus on with our kids. It is, however, very important to keep the spark alive. Focus on your rekindling your relationship and remember what made you fall in love with each other.
23) Don’t feel guilty about spending some alone time. You love your kids- that is what is important. As long as they are cared for (by your spouse, a trusted babysitter, a grandparent), then they are in good hands.
24) Relinquish some control and allow yourself to let loose when you have the time to do so. You deserve it. A relaxed mom is a happy mom!
25) Love your child unconditionally. We all get frustrated; we all have our good days and bad days as parents- it’s natural. But no matter what, be sure your child knows that you love them unconditionally.