We’ve searched the Mommmybites archives for some of the best mommy hacks we could find. Absorb the pearls of wisdom from these moms.
Laura Deutsch, founder and creator of babybites & kiddybites:
I’m so happy I created a ‘memory box.’ Whenever I hear my daughter or son say or do something cute, funny, or memorable in any way, I quickly jot it down on a piece of scrap paper and throw it in the box. Nothing fancy – literally a piece of scrap paper and a shoe box. I have over 50 great memories from the time my daughter (who is now five) was a baby!
Heather Ouida, co-founder of kiddybites
One of the things I really work at while raising two boys in this hurried city of Manhattan is to “be present”. Here is one of my favorite parenting quotes by Anna Quindland that speaks to this point:
“But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them, sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.”
Much to my dismay I am a horrible singer. So if my boys (ages 8 and 4) are arguing, I start singing very loudly (and very off key). When given the choice between listening to me sing or stopping arguing ? they usually choose to stop arguing!
Renee Sullivan, co-director of babybites Manhattan support groups
If you have a boy, make sure you point the “wee wee” down when you close the diaper. (we had “leaks” for a while before I got this tip!)
Sometimes the easiest way to parent, is to delay introducing something to your toddler. Its easier than having them understand the “rules” of when they can have something, or when they can’t. Delayed gratification is a difficult concept for a toddler. My son didn’t know a lollipop, was a lollipop until he was 3. Before then, he thought it was just a brightly colored stick to beat on a drum!
Jenny Fenig, co-director of babybites Manhattan support groups
Always listen to your gut about what’s right for your child (even if your gut instinct is at odds with your doctor, friends, family, social norms). A parent’s intuition is your most powerful tool in your bag of tricks.
Remember that you are a WOMAN as well as a MOM. Do things that “fill your tank” and give you pleasure on a regular basis that have nothing to do with your role as a parent. When you do, two things will happen: You’ll feel better and more balanced AND be a more engaged parent. Magic!
Tanya Charney, babybites Westchester/CT
Only your child can remind you of the wonder of a blade of grass, and then help you think of 101 things to do with it.
Luckily, apple peel on top of toast crust tastes pretty good…
Chana Balk, babybites Brooklyn
Try not to sweat the small stuff, think big picture, appreciate every moment (because before you know it, that little baby will be scooting down the sidewalk), and take time for you, even if its just a long shower.
Elise Jones, blog editor & social media director
Keep bedtime sacred. The downtime of reading stories, listening to my girls sing their prayers, discussing our days, and anticipating the excitement of a new day is the closest I feel to them all day. The kisses and hugs are great too:)
Forgive yourself easily. I fully believe that what you say about yourself when no one is around is who you are. I teach my children this. Love and light…
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