Recently I read an article that had to do with, "What makes you a good mom?" While I am not the perfect mom, I thought about the things I do try to adhere to in my parenting. Here are my thoughts on it:
I am a good mom because everyone tells me I am. 😁
Seriously, tho, I think I'm a good mom because I do things that my girls don't like, like nagging them about making their beds or eating their dinners, but don't resort to "because I said so". I'm not afraid to make them upset with me, or even make them cry, even when it tears my heart to see them so.
I won't do their homework for them, but I do check it when it's done. If I see a wrong answer, I tell them what the wrong one is, but have THEM figure out the correct answer.
I play with the girls, sing and dance with them, but have told them that under NO circumstances am I their friend; I'm their MOM! However, I have told them that when they are grown up, we'll revisit that discussion. While we are playing and one of them does something they shouldn't, my MOM-hat goes right on, and they know it. They know that I can go from silly and fun to disciplinarian on a dime.
I not only listen when they talk to me, I will either stop what I'm doing and face them, or ask them to "hold that thought" while I finish, telling them that I want to give them my undivided attention and can't right now. I let them know that what they say is important to me, even if they just want to tell me that it's one of their stuffed animal's birthday.
I ask them questions, and answer theirs. I'm not afraid to say, "I don't know," and if I don't know, I'll point them in the direction where they can find an answer.
If I make a mistake, like scold an innocent party, I will apologize.
I'm as honest as I can be with them, without oversharing. I try to maintain a level of innocence without keeping them TOTALLY ignorant. Oversheltering can be a bad thing: this, I know.
I teach by example. I try not to set a double-standard; like, if THEY need an umbrella, I need an umbrella.
I love their father, and they see the mutual respect we have for each other, and for them.
I discipline when necessary.
I hug often.
I will give them strawberry milk and asparagus.
I always make sure that I leave work on time to pick them up after school.
I tell them to "revel in their strangeness".
We eat dinner together; maybe not EVERY night, but almost.
We pray together.
We go to church together.
I hang their awards.
I love them with all my heart.
