How To Be A Great Mom and Other Lies

I am a lot of things. I am Not Perfect, by any means. So in considering what makes a great mom I am going to have a different list than someone else. I don't think there is a set guideline for what makes a great mom but I do think there are a few No-Brainers on how to be a good mom.

So here is a Top 5 for today,

Top 5 Ways To Be A Great Mom, by Me.

1. Love your kids. This means you put them first in most areas. My kids might think I have not put them first but the truth is in all ways that matter I have put them first. This includes loving them when they are unlovable. Especially when they are unlovable because if your Momma don't love you, you are doomed. 

2. Talk to your kids. I talk to my kids even when they don't want me to talk to them (like at 6:30am-lol). I do not always know what they are doing at all hours of the day but I talk to them. I know them. However, I am also not in denial about the fact that might kid might be the bad'un in a group. I'm open for discussion.

3. Don't disown your kids. I don't get this. I don't understand a total cut-off. I can see where if a child is destructive and causes strife in other relationships (like with your spouse) that it might be problematic to have them live with you or over for holidays but a total cutting off I do not understand. It would break my heart. I ache for those that have had this done and ache for those that have felt the need to do this.

4. Forgive your parents. I don't know about you but my parents weren't any more perfect than I am. I have realized that some of the things I "judged" my parents for were undeserved. I have also realized that we all come from different places. We also have different ways of looking at things. There are things that are unforgivable as a parent (certain abuses) but even those things must be forgiven, it doesn't mean you invite them into your life. 
And I sure as hell hope my kids forgive me!

5. Live the Example. I try very hard to Live the way I want my kids to live. The strongest voice I have is my example. They might have hoped I was different and emphasized different things in their growing up years (being more organized, for example) but I am me and I like me. If they were to grow up like me I would be happy but I am more happy when I see them being better than me! This is true joy for me in my journey thus far as a Mom.

So those are my Top 5 Mommy-isms for today.
Take them, or leave them.