Longtime reader of Simple Mom and blogger over at Steady Mom, Jamie Martin has just released her first book, Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood
Jamie has a big heart and an encouraging spirit, and her book drips of her passion to inspire moms to treat their role of motherhood as the most rewarding job around.
This weekend, she is generously giving three Simple Mom readers a signed copy of her book! And I recently had a chance to chat with her about this latest work…
1. Congratulations on the release of your book! Can you tell SM readers in a few sentences what the book is about?
Thank you so much, Tsh!
Steady Days
2. I know many mamas feel like they don’t have time to be a “professional mama,” and that they feel so much pressure to do things perfectly. What would you say to those mamas?
Professionalism isn’t about perfection or adding anything extra to our already very full plates. It isn’t about trying to “do it all” or do what some other mother is doing with her kids. In my mind, being a professional mother means not allowing life to just happen and pass you by. It means choosing the type of life you want for yourself and your family, and purposefully going after that goal. It means playing to your strengths–thereby becoming the best mother you can be for your children.
3. What’s one word you would use to describe the atmosphere in your home?
Freedom. My goal is that the atmosphere in our home allows each member of our family to become our best self–discovering and using the incredibly unique talents and skills we’ve each been given in a way that helps and impacts others. I want my children to feel free to become who they are meant to be–to be influential individuals who think for themselves. And that’s what I also want for myself as their mother.
4. Do you ever get asked, “How do you do it all?” Explain a little bit about how you choose your priorities, and about how you deal with that never-ending to-do list at home.
I don’t get asked that very often–I think it’s because I’m so open and real on my blog about all the things I don’t do!
I only put six things on my to-do list each day. Often the first three repeat: read to the kids, make dinner plans, do laundry. The other three spaces allow me to sort out life as it happens and time for blogging/writing projects. And that’s a wrap! It’s a very full life but one centered around my priorities, not someone else’s. I love it.
5. What’s the main thing you hope readers of your book walk away with?
Confidence. Sometimes parenting books unintentionally heap further guilt on mamas who already doubt their mothering abilities. Steady Days
6. What does this next year look like for you? Any plans to write a second book?
2010 is going to be an incredible year, and kicking it off this way is such a wonderful start! I’m also privileged to be part of one of the new blogs Tsh is launching in February through Simple Living Media. I’m thrilled to be the editor for the new site, Simple Homeschool, which will enable me to write about another of my passions–education.
I do have plans for a second book. I’d like to write about how we can give our children a global perspective–enabling them to become leaders who impact and change the world. But I won’t be getting started on that for a few months, not until I can make it work for our family and still keep everyone sane. As I mentioned above, I can’t do it all! But global-mindedness is a subject very close to my heart.
And most of my year will be spent loving and learning with my three little people. That is, after all, the most important thing.
Giveaway Time
This giveaway is now closed.
Here’s how to win one of the three signed copies of Steady Days: A Journey Toward Intentional, Professional Motherhood
1. Leave a comment on this post, answering this question — What do you think is the single hardest thing about parenting?
2. To enter a second time, tweet about this giveaway on Twitter (use the “retweet” button at the bottom of the post).
3. To enter a third time, write about this giveaway on your blog, using this post’s URL (not Simple Mom’s main URL).
This giveaway will end on Monday, January 18 at 11:59 p.m. EST. I hope you win!
{ 4 trackbacks }
{ 681 comments }
Next Comments →
For me, the hardest part of parenting is giving myself credit for doing the little things. I love the fact that you include things like “Read to the kids” and “make dinner plans” on your 6 item to do list. So simple and so effective. thanks.
ami´s last blog ..Helping Haiti
For me it’s being patient—with my kids and myself.
Michelle Marsh´s last blog ..Great books
I’ve been a parent for over 20 years, and still find it a struggle to ‘live in the moment’, and not think about the ten other things that need to be done. My youngest is now nine, and I’m finally getting the hang of it- not perfectly, mind you, but better.
I think the hardest thing about parenting is using my time wisely to give my daughter the time and attention she deserves. I think the better I know her, the better I can focus my parenting attention.
I think the hardest part of parenting is all the layers & how it never ends. Being responsible for their physical, spiritual, and mental lives, keeping them safe, teaching them values, teaching them to clean after themselves, encouraging their creativity, dealing w/ all the messes, fights, falls, anger, & sadness… while trying to maintain a clean home, be a good wife/friend/daughter & be a good example & live what you believe – yet failing daily!!!! If it weren’t for God I’d despair
As a new parent, for me the hardest thing is knowing whats best. How to decide what is best for your family and your children is an experience that is so hard to describe unless youve been through it. And even when you make the decision you think is the best one, you never are sure if its the right one. At two months old my baby girl has given me much joy, and so much to think about.
Adrianne´s last blog ..Bella Giorno
My Biggest challenge is being a Godly example to my son everday-showing Him God’s love by service, in word, and in deed.
My hardest thing is to appreciate the NOW and not be constantly thinking about the future. Kids grow up so fast and it feels like I am wishing them grown at times – when actually just the opposite is true.
Looks like a great book! I think the hardest thing about parenting for me right now is consistency and matching my child’s energy level. Thanks for a chance to win!
Amber´s last blog ..~ Couple Things ~
The hardest thing for me about being a parent is being a grown up when the kids are behaving badly. Sometimes I want to have an adult temper tantrum as a response.
-Robin
Hippo Flambe´s last blog ..Sesame Glazed Baby Bok Choy
The hardest thing is balance (not overloading self or family with it all) and change (always dealing with nothing ever staying the same)!
The hardest thing is working/communicating with your spouse to constantly bring 2 people and their ideas together….over and over again. You get it one day, then the next you don’t.
I think that lately I’ve found the hardest thing is how much the outside world underestimates the work and challenge involved in parenting. I feel like unless we have both kids AND a career, we’re considered slackers. I feel that I’m not allowed to explain that I’m at home because I feel it’s best for my kids, that instead I have to just listen to other people’s/the media’s idea of what I do or DON’T do (as a SAHM) but not defend my choice unless I want to be considered “judgemental”. And I’m actually a very liberal, open-minded person! (or try to be!) It’s been wearing on me emotionally… I think it’s time our society really did have a stay-at-home rennaisance.
Parenting is about cultivating relationships. The hardest part is to keep that your focus. We need to grow the deepest most loving relationships with the Lord, our spouse, and each child. It takes a lot of time, and often concentration to even begin those bonds. It is easy to get caught in the busy work.
Kelli´s last blog ..He Loves Me
The hardest thing about parenting is the feeling that you are missing something really awesome that you will someday regret not doing with your children. The perfectionist side of me rearing it’s ugly head!
For me, the hardest part is finding space for myself as me. Not as a mom, but as myself.
Sounds like a great book, and I’m definitely bookmarking Simple Homeschooling!
Summer´s last blog ..Help Haiti
Balance!! Balance between your children, your marriage, your own need for down time, housework, God, serving others, and for some of us, work! We can’t possibly do all that is required of us at any one given time and sometimes just KNOWING what should be a priority it difficult. That’s why I totally need this book!
The biggest challenge of parenting for me is how much we are required to give of ourselves! When I became a parent 2 1/2 years ago, I had no idea how much self-sacrifice was involved! I still struggle with it! But I keep reminding myself that all the sowing I do of myself now will reap wonderful fruit later on life!
For me, I think the hardest thing about parenting is the sacrificing it takes on my part. Having children has forced me to realize my selfishness as a person.
April Emery´s last blog ..25 Ways To Love Your Husband (After Kids)
Being a purposeful parent is something that I struggle with….along with having patience/loosing my temper. I make it through the day and my daughter makes it through the day, but ya know….that is all is seems like I do is just “make it through the day.” I know there are times when that is REALLY all I can do, but I really want to intentionally be a parent I just am not sure how to do that.
I tweeted (aprilemery)
April Emery´s last blog ..25 Ways To Love Your Husband (After Kids)
The hardest part of parenting for me is to stay steady in the decisions I’ve made for the direction of our family in the face of other mums who do it differently or who openly challenge the way I do things. Trusting that I’ve made good choices that benefit everyone in my home can be so difficult!
Emily´s last blog ..The Decisions that Mothers Must Make
The hardest part of being a mother, is realizing how much I need to change, in order to model good character for my children. If I want them to be “good” kids, then I need to be a “good” adult.
Consistency for sure. I want to be consistent in discipline and consistent in our routine, etc. And I have such a hard time with it.
Wow, I have totally been feeling this way and can’t wait to get my hands on this book…whether I win it or not! The hardest part about parenting for me has been to figure out how to juggle it all. I’ve been learning a lot about discipline and how being organized and diligent allows my home to run smoothly and my children to have more of me.
I have struggled with how to organize my life as a SAHM verus the working professional I was in my past life. I find it difficult to make/keep a schedule which balances me and my family. Preparing for pregnancy and childcare came easily but the ability to appreciate my new role not so much because I continue to compare the fomer self to my current self.
I think the single hardest thing about parenting is the intangibility of it all. When you work on a project, whether it’s sewing, baking or writing, you’re often able to identify a start and finish and know: “This is what I did today.” Parenting isn’t like that – the things you do all day aren’t always concrete. They’re far more obscure and aren’t as easily observable or calculable. I find that oftentimes when I’m asked what I did all day I simply have to look over my shoulder at my wee one and say, “Well…I did a lot of work calling that kid over there to greater life.” So while I don’t have a “finished product” I’m learning to deal with and embrace one that’s in process.
When my three kids were all under five years of age, the hardest thing was juggling everything that needed done in just a mere 24 hours. There were days (many of them) when getting a shower was a real feat! Life, however, moves on at record speed, and we do get through it. Now that my oldest is turning 12, the hardest thing is letting go as he seeks more independence. It was so much easier when my kids were little and I got to pick their friends, set their playdates, and be one they chose to share their secrets with. I can only hope and pray that my husband and I have developed those strong bonds that will keep my children close, instilled those values that really matter, and been role models that my children can look up to as they journey through life. I’ve heard it said that our children are not truly ours; they were just entrusted to us for a short while. This is hard for me.
CONSISTENCY!!!
The book looks wonderful! I think the hardest part about parenting for me (right now) is balancing homework with two boys in school – and one 4 year old wanting his own “homework.” Just the fine balance of everything from pushing healthy foods, no video games, no tv, and not having it all backfire on us!
Keeping my priorities straight. I like what someone said before about getting the big rocks done first… the days sure seem to fly by!
Thanks for the chance! I hope I win!
The hardest part about parenting for me is the constancy….there is never a break!
The hardest thing about parenting for me is not letting what those around me think affect how I parent. For example when I’m with my parents I’m stricter with my kids. I feel like I’m constantly telling them they can’t do certain things that I don’t really have a problem with them doing, but know my parents don’t approve of. I’ve been working harder on focusing on my children and not what others think. It is a process, but I’m getting better at it.
At this point, potty training
princesslimey (at) gmail dot com
To me, the hardest part about parenting is when I don’t feel good and I have to just fight through it to do what I have to do. Sometimes, I fight through bouts of extreme dizziness (not sure why) and it’s SO hard to focus on an almost 9 month old when you can barely stand up straight. I also had a really debilitating case of strep throat in December and that was ridiculously awful. Part of it is the need to do everything myself. Thank God I have a great husband who helps take some of the burden!
For me the hardest part about parenting is remembering that it is not my only role. I think it’s easy to neglect ourselves and our other relationships. Although they are important as well. I tend to get caught up in my children, rather than all the “stuff”, rather than the other way around. ; )
Good luck to all the entrants.
Debbie´s last blog ..Happy Holidays
saying no to the call to busyness!
my blog post http://aprilemery.blogspot.com/2010/01/giveaway-steady-days-journey-toward.html
April Emery´s last blog ..25 Ways To Love Your Husband (After Kids)
ah motherhood/parenting, the hardest thing for me is finding the balance.
The hardest thing for me is the need to be a perfect mom! I’m a relatively new mom with a one year old daughter that I stay home with. I am daily confronted with feelings of failure when I can’t get anything accomplished. My husband is quick to remind me that these are Satan’s lies!! Just being home with our little girl is an accomplishment!
I’m new to your blog and I just wanted to say I love it!
As for your question…the hardest part of parenting is setting realistic goals for me and my kids. I’m always too hard on myself to be the “perfect” mom and sometimes I find myself putting that pressure on my children. I’m not as bad as I use to be, but I want the best for my family, but sometimes the best is to just relax and enjoy the ride.
Monica´s last blog ..It never fails…
Balance. Trying to find a balance between spending time with children plus all the other hundreds of things that need to get done in a day… and still having moments to sit still and feel refreshed.
Stephanie M.´s last blog ..Lion for a change
I just came across the Steady Mom blog last week! I love her attitude toward motherood, I’ve been reminding to myself to “be a professional’ as I go about my day with my two young boys and maintaining our home.
I’d have to say the hardest part of parenting is always having to be flexible. I’m a planner and have learned to ‘let go’ of expectations of most of my plans going quite the way I thought they would, if at all! It’s hard parenting young children, it seems there’s always something they need, something to be responding to, and of course a learning opportunities to take advantage of along the way. It’s hard to always be giving of yourself to several different outlets during this season.
heidi @ wonder woman wannabe´s last blog ..Re-Ignite Date Night {#21}
The hardest part of parenting for me is always wondering if I did/said the right thing. Second guessing myself. Just as equally hard for me is the guilt I believe every mom deals with when we make mistakes.
I think the hardest thing about parenting is to enjoy the moment and not let it get lost in the “to do” items. This usually results in impatience and not really seeing and doing things with the kids in a focused loving way.
The hardest thing about parenting is knowing that you are responsible for shaping your children to grow up to be God-fearing, productive members of society. The pressure of knowing that you have to succeed in this job because failure is not an option.
For me, the single hardest thing about parenting is just that basic balancing of self and other. Getting over decades of focus on me to incorporate this new and very important person. But at the same time, now, not totally losing sight of myself and my goals, or my relationship with my husband, either. And I suppose ultimately, not overthinking it too much!
Thanks for the giveaway.
The hardest thing about parenting? Trying to find the energy to be a creative, intentional parent while struggling with lack of sleep and constant bouts of colds and flu.
Well, I can’t really say what the hardest part about parenting is as I still have approximately 18 weeks to go before the baby arrives (but who’s counting
but this book sounds great. Today is actually my last day of work before starting my stay at home wife/mom career and I really LOVE the phrase professional motherhood. I am diligent and together and organized at work and I want to carry that over to being a mom so much. I know that with the birth of my first baby there will inevitablely be”those days” when I feel anything but professional but I want to make that a goal.
MacKenzie´s last blog ..Foreign Affairs Friday: Internet
The single most difficult thing about parenting is becoming less selfish. Lately I am realizing that the majority of things I struggle with as a parent and home manager would be much easier if I were willing to give up a little more of “my” time or at least find a little bit more of a balance. It is very humbling when I realize how much I could better utilize my time – it would make my time with my kids (and home) much more fun and effective and I think it would improve the quality of “my” time too.
‘One’ of the hardest things of parenting i find is trying to find the balance. But not just in the area of house/ kids/ and then all other activities, i also mean in the area of balancing and coordinating the days activities with 2 (almost 3) different aged children with completely different personalities. I find that at the moment this is my biggest battle. And this particular week i have found myself in tears by the end of most days. I am actually in NEED of this book, or at least some inspriration right now! We have just moved, therefore understandably the kids are a little more unsettled, but it certainly is trying my stay-at-home desire. (But in saying that.. I WONT be sending my kids to school until 5! We WILL all walk through these days together… and steady days sounds like it would be a wonderful help!)
The hardest thing is wondering if I’m doing it right. I bring so many flaws to the process and wonder if I’m making the right choices and setting the right examples.
This book sounds amazing! I have 3 children and I find trying to balance everyone’s needs (including mine and husband’s) is the hardest part of parenting…and the most constant (other than the laundry, of course!)
The hardest thing lately is being too tired to do anything. But I’m just get past the first trimester, so I’m hoping for better days ahead!
Congratulations, Jamie! Wonderful interview, Tsh, thanks.
Am I the only one that struggles with patience? It’s still morning here, but my toddler has gotten into so much ‘trouble’ already!!
Aimee´s last blog ..The Beef Chronicles: Ossobuco in Bianco
I’m a working mom, so for me the hardest part of parenting is finding a way to build intention into my home life. Many days I get so caught up in the “need-tos” when I come home from work that by the time I realize I’m not being intentional, my time with my family is gone. I’ve been a follower of Steady Mom for a while, so I’d love to win a copy of Jamie’s book!
The hardest part of parenting for me is patience. I get frustrated so easily with my 3 little ones and I am constantly striving to slow down and ENJOY them, not just rush them along to the next thing. I am a constant work in progress, that’s for sure!!
The hardest thing about parenting for me is trying to remain flexible to what things come up my family tends to be too scheduled and over-committed leaving little time for freedom. It is hard to realize that we just can’t do it all and then set our priorities.
I think being consistent and being available all the time are the hardest things for me about parenting.
Wow! I just had my third child and motherhood has just gotten a lot harder! For some reason when you add that third child, things change! I think the hardest thing is we as parents have such great intentions and lofty goals and want to be the best we can be for our kids. The problem is we can only be so “good”. We fail and we get frustrated and feel defeated. So we realize we can’t do it all. For me, that is when I am reminded that I can draw upon His grace and allow Him to shine through me. No I can’t be supermom, but I can be a great one when I focus on the Best Thing.
The single hardest thing about parenting is having patience, remembering that your children are just that, children…still learning the skills necessary to live life in a somewhat ordered manner. Second to that, I would say that juggling household management and childhood enrichment can be incredibly challenging! This site has given me some wonderful tips to help in this area!
The hardest part about parenting is being okay with no visible/tangible results at the end of a long day of work. Kind of like teaching, my career before parenting, so I guess I should be used to it but it’s still a challenge. Except for the occasional glimpse here and there you have to wait years to see the difference you’ve made.
Lisa´s last blog ..Disney!
The hardest thing for me about being a parent with a 5 year old and a 6 week old is being exhausted and trying not to take it out on my older one.
I think the hardest part of being a parent is taking the time to really enjoy the kids for who they are and who they are becoming without letting other peoples views of what you need to be doing interfer. Letting their sunshine come through amidst all the parents who tell you to take care of things one way or another. The lists of don’ts that you can fill your days with will take over the things that could make life exciting.
I’ve only been a mommy for a year, but so far, the hardest part is feeling guilty if I’m not giving her my sole attention, but also guilty for not getting things done if I do get down on the floor and play with her exclusively.
Jessica´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday — Baby Jess Baby Kate
The hardest thing for me right now is being unselfish. Having kids has shown me how selfish I really am! For example, I get cranky when they don’t take long enough naps and I wasn’t able to get everything done that I wanted to do.
Discipline. Consistent discipline.
remaining disciplined to accomplish all that needs to happen without taking “breaks” being your own boss is hard!
i just became a mom of a “surprise!” baby. i love him to death, but i feel like i’m playing catchup in trying to become informed about raising a child. in that, i feel the hardest part of being a mom so far has been figuring out how much of what the “experts” say should be implemented and how much to go with my gut…esp. when the experts often contradict each other. then what? i would also agree that figuring out the balance between kid, work, husband, life has been a huge challenge, too.
I love being a mom…but now that I am going back to school for my masters part time and I am still a full time at-home mama I find that I need reset what a normal day looks like at our house…..I hope that reading a book like this could help me make these changes with confidence.
One of the hardest things about parenting is sometimes doubting myself and wondering if I am doing the “right” thing, even though I know there is not ONE right way to do things. I just want the very best for my child.
Both balance and patience are hard ones for me. Maybe a little more balance would lead to more patience.
The single hardest thing for me is seeing my bad/undesirable traits show up and roar their ugly heads in my children! They can be that mirror that you really don’t want to look in. And its even harder to change your own heart first instead of just punishing them for their actions, that they learned from you.
Great giveaway, Thanks!
I think the single hardest thing about parenting is making time to spend individually with all 3 children. It is challenging because (and I am thankful) each child has a different personality, temperament, and love language. Carving out time with the compliant easy going tempered son is just as important to me as my strong willed opinionated son, but it requires me to plan because in it’s natural state (for lack of a better word) “the squeaky wheel gets more oil”.
I was born with two beautiful boys on the autism spectrum–so I think my hardest part has to be learning to let go of expectation, and allow them to learn and grow the way they will, when they can.
For me, the hardest thing about parenting is not being too hard on myself when I make mistakes. I am growing in confidence and joy and letting things that don’t matter go.
I feel that the hardest part of parenting is understanding that I cannot protect my children from everything. I am not all powerful, nor can I be everywhere at once. I think a lot of parents feel guilty about the wounds that their children receive from the world. Unfortunately, we live in a fallen world, and being wounded is part of everyday life. Knowing how to protect my children and when to let go is a daily struggle.
The most challenging thing for me is drowning out all the ‘perfectionism’ talk in my brain and letting myself think I’m doing a good job as a mom and that I DID spend enough time with my son today.
Kristi´s last blog ..I’m still here!
The hardest part of parenting for me is the “Tyranny of the Urgent”- all of the day to day things that can so easily crowd out the eternal perspective.
Wow, the idea of this book sounds fabulous! It took me quite awhile to get over the notion of striving for a career, and to instead turn that same energy and passion over to motherhood. I’d say it was a good year before I realized that Motherhood was my new profession, and to take it seriously. I think the most difficult thing about motherhood is really just finding balance. Because I’m not JUST a mother – I’m also a wife, a homemaker, and an individual, it’s difficult to strike a balance. I feel like if I’m doing a great job in one area, another area suffers.
Alissa´s last blog ..Mvelopes Referral Update!
The hardest thing for me about parenting is getting myself to bed at a decent hour so that I have the energy the next day to stick to our routines and to really give quality interaction and time to the kids.
Your book sounds wonderful.
Loneliness and constant feelings of inadequacy
Like many other moms who have responded, the hardest part for me is maintaining balance, specifically finding time for myself. I think many moms put everybody else first and forget about taking some time out for personal projects or just simply to relax. I feel like I spend all day taking care of my baby, husband, and house, and then before I know it days have passed without any knitting or reading or just being still. I’d love to win the book! I am currently trying to read more about parenting to learn how I can do it all more sanely, and also how I can keep my son entertained better throughout the long winter days. I definitely have a lot to learn!
Hardest thing: Finding my REAL priorities and staying true to them….despite the world ‘out there’ trying to pull me away from them with all those other distractions.
I’m one of Jamie’s biggest fans, and I can honestly say she is the real deal. She has the unique ability to challenge and empower her readers at the same time. Knowing she is in the midst of the journey validates her suggestions. And the freedom she gives her readers to be their best selves, for the sake of their children, is a gift.
All Jamie approaches is thoroughly done. She is passionate, kind, and devoted. Tsh, you have selected the perfect person for your newest blog.
Jamie, my dear, how come I had to hear about book idea number two out here in the blogopshere??
Caroline Starr Rose´s last blog ..Waiting While on Submission
My daugther is 10 months old, and so far the hardest part for me is the constant GUILT I create for myself over anything and everything!
I’d love to win this book! Thanks for the chance!
Tammy´s last blog ..~Christmas dresses~
I think the most difficult part of parenting is finding a balance in the day-to-day routine of life. As a stay-at-home mom, it can seem like there is an overwhelming amount of “stuff” that needs to get done every day, and I often feel guilty for not spending enough time doing chores or playing with the children. Something always has to go undone, and it can cause a lot of guilt.
Kristi´s last blog ..Baked Flounder with Lemon + Artichoke Pasta Salad
Recently I’ve found BALANCE to be difficult. I have days when I do so much for my daughter and do nothing for myself and I feel run down and impatient. Other days, I do too much for myself and feel guilty, like I’m neglecting her. I don’t think I’ve found a way to do both in a good mix to avoid impatience and guilt. I’m still working on it!
The hardest thing right now is telling my four year old that I have authority, and expecting her to believe it!
Myrnie´s last blog ..Swap goodies from Little Jenny Wren
Being new to the role of mommy (my son is 7 weeks old), the hardest thing for me right now is just the unknown – trying to figure out how I want to parent/what kind of parent I want to be and hoping that I and my husband do as great of a job with my child(ren) as my parents did with my siblings and I.
For me the hardest thing is consistency! Life has so many variables, and throws so much at you… I’d love to learn how to be more consistent!
I have been having a hard time with BALANCE lately. Somedays, I do too much for my daughter and do nothing for myself, leaving me feeling exhausted and impatient. Other days, I feel like I’ve done too much for myself and I feel guilty, like I’ve neglected her. I need to find a way to do some of both every day… still working on it!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Lindsey´s last blog ..Christmas Favorites
For me, it’s realizing that there is a time and season for everything. Even though I want to do all of my different projects and improve my talents right now (sewing, crafting, reading, volunteering, blogging, etc.) with a 2 year old and 5 month old it’s a little tough. I have a lot of life left and I can do all those “me” things (that are good, but not the most important) later. My kids and spending time with them is the most important thing right now. I have to remind myself of that often.
Not sure if you wanted me to post this here, but I also blogged:
http://brandnewhousewife.blogspot.com/2010/01/steady-days-book-giveaway-at-simple-mom.html
Laura´s last blog ..Steady Days Book Giveaway at Simple Mom
I think that the hardest thing is finding a way to help them navigate in the world outside of the home (around the neighborhood, at school, etc.) when they are surrounded by people who often do believe in or practice the values and way of being that I try to instill in my kids.
That would be, do NOT believe…
i’d say the single hardest thing about being a parent is the self-doubt/guilt factor. many times it is over something that is just blown out of proportion in our heads, but the mental exhaustion it can cause is hard to battle through sometimes. but i have to say, i still wouldn’t trade these days for the world!
I think the hardest thing about parenting is NOT becoming frustrated. Every day the little ones plus regular pressure of life could give you something to scream about. It is hard to keep your cool when that urge arises.
Michelle G.´s last blog ..2010 Will Be a Year of Many Changes
the hardest thing is making something of our day, too often it just passes us by…
I don’t know what the hardest thing is about parenting because I am not a parent yet. But, in a few months my husband and I are going to start trying for kids so I would love to read this first. It sounds like a great resource!
a place where i struggle the most is with patience. it’s a daily struggle, where i wish i could do better.
the hardest thing about parenting for me is knowing that i am basically the shaper of these childrens’ minds and psyches. it’s up to me to teach them values, how to be responsible, how to be good people. if i fail, there will be no excuse or ability to blame anyone but me. that’s heavy, and sometimes it weighs me down. i’d love the chance to win this book and get some ideas on how to feel more confident as a mom.
laurel´s last blog ..Little by little
Next Comments →
Comments on this entry are closed.