Okay, now that is out of the way, here goes. Growing up I didn't live with my parents. I had very young parents and like to call myself a high school "whoopsie". Don't get me wrong, I love both of my parents but times were different. I was brought up in the care of my Great Grandmother (Meme) and later my Aunt and Grammy. Having said that, I didn't do a whole lot growing up. I didn't dance, play sports, nor was I outgoing. Quite the opposite actually, I was a quiet bookworm who spent a lot of time in the tree in my front yard reading. I was very loved and knew that. My Mom and Dad (who were also divorced young) have always been in my life, and actually raised my siblings. I was the only one who lived with Meme.
Now, I am a Mom to three kids of my own. I'm trying to be the Mom that I didn't have. I'm not trying to be superMom or go for any medals, but I am trying to be as active in my kids lives as I can. Although, if at any time they think I'm hovering, I will back off. I sat down this weekend and wrote down everything that I am involved in for the sake of our kids. I highly recommend that Moms do this, if only for themselves. I know that every Mom feels stressed and pressure to be the "superMom" we all have imagined ourselves to be. I am no where near my vision, but I'm okay with that too. It's not important to be the best Mom ever, it's important to be the best Mom you can be.
I thought to give you an idea of my list, I'd share a little bit. Some of the things may sound more difficult than they actually are and some of the not so difficult sounding items actually are, so here goes.
- 2 of my 3 kids are in soccer. They love it, so I (I'm giving Chuck credit here because they practice at the exact same time so he takes one!) take at least one of them to their twice weekly practices.
- Saturdays through October, and some Tuesdays for A, are game days. We usually get to the soccer fields at around 9:30 A.M. and are there until 2 in the afternoon.
- My kids have standing therapy appointments weekly. I'm thankful that they are at the exact same time, in the same building, even if they are with different doctors.
- CS has story time at the library weekly.
- A recently joined 4-H and Ren will be joining too. This is a whole new experience for our family and I can't wait to dive in!
- I am on the PTO board at A's school and a regular member of the PTO for Ren's school.
- A is wanting to join the Girl Scouts. The downside is that there isn't a troop at her school because no one will be a troop leader. Guess who just volunteered?
- CS and I are going to participate in preschool nature walks at our local arboretum beginning next week.
Now, this is the short list. I am not trying to sell myself as a good Mom, but I am trying to realize that what I do is more than just cooking, cleaning and laundry. This is how I'm trying to be the Mom I didn't have. I want the kids to know that I "have their backs". I want them to know that they can always count on me for anything they need. I can't always give them what they want, but I will try my best to give them what they need. I want them to know that I am here. It may sound philosophical or corny, but it's important to me. They need that security and I am more than happy to provide them with a safety net. I'm a Mom, that's my job!
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