First, the biggest thank you to those who have participated in this One Year & Beyond Link-up. Whether you posted or simply left feedback on the topics shared so far, I have found the support between so many inspiring ladies very rewarding. As mamas, I definitely think it is important to relate to each other (the good, the bad, & the ugly), & as always, this community does that so incredibly well. Waverly Maye & I are lucky to be a part of it. π
So that really brings me to my thoughts on advice & how to deal with it. I definitely agree that the minute you get pregnant, there are 1.2 million people (some just walking by you in Target), that have an opinion on just about everything that has to do with motherhood. It can seriously be frustrating, I’m thinking the worst being the horror labor stories you get when your belly is so big the baby could fall out at any moment.
Yet honestly, in most cases, I welcome advice with open arms. More every day, I realize that being a mom is a constant learning experience. What works for us one day may not work then next, & more often than not, I overcome one challenge to discover another. It takes a serious open mind & truly, being able to admit when you could do better or that you need help. I love getting feedback from other mamas, hearing what works for them or if nothing else, that they went through something similar. Because letsbehonest, you can feel pretty damn alone when your baby has been crying in the middle of the night for a few hours straight (if that had ever happened to anyone else, there would never be parents with more than one child, right?!).
If you read any of my posts last week, you know we had a rough one. Seriously, Waverly Maye gave me a total run for my money. So much so, I was that mom at the park Friday afternoon (4pm) with a beer in hand. Fast forward to this week, she has never been sweeter. Believe me, I was totally prepared after reading three discipline books & locating a new spot for time-out. Yet so far, she has been a rock-star toddler & I’m convinced is laughing about how hard she had me working a few days ago. π
For those who want to join in on the fun of this series, see this post for information & future topics! We hope you are all having a lovely short week!! I’m thinking we should roll with this 4-day week from now on, it really works for us!
XOXO
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Isn't it crazy who these littles throw us for whirlwinds… I mentioned in Charli's 22 month update that almost all of her tantrums had been eliminated and she had been doing so well for a good month… Insert foot in mouth… It has been a ROUGH several days in my neck of the woods. UGH! And trust me 100%, if I wasn't preggo right now, there would be a wine glass full by 3pm every day! π You are doing a great job, you are such an amazing mama! We have our days, they have their days, but all in all it is what we live for right?! And I am right there with you, I love hearing advice and welcome it. It doesn't bother me, even if it is something I don't agree on, the fact that someone takes the moment to try and help! Pretty special! π
I love that you were "that mom" I can definitely be that mom my self sometimes.
I'm a pre-planner (as in I don't have kids yet but have books, follow mommy-blogs, etc.) so I think I would be like you and welcome any and all advice and just take what you feel is right! Glad to hear this week has been better and I hope it (she haha) stays that way! As usual, beautiful pics! xoxo
I have been getting advice up the wazoo. From interesting (do not eat too much watermelon) to personal (rub oil down on your yoohoo) to situational (only the waterfall noise works). I try to take it all in and when the time actually comes I can discard what doesn't work for me and what does! I just go in with the thought that everyone is pretty well intentioned!
Great post! And great topic! I honestly didn't link up today because I didn't know how to address this issue π I think you're right that you need to be open minded and accept help. It's when people start spouting out the "my way is the right way" gibber jabber that I close off. I love blogging for the sense of community support and advice though π loving this one year and beyond series! I'll link up again next week!
Love this girl!! Great post. I think we're all "That mom" from time to time. That's why we need each other π
I love this whole series. I definitely want to participate for the remainder!
It is amazing how much advice you get, honestly what else in your life warrants so much unsolicited advice? I love getting it! I mean you never know what is going to work and it is always nice to have a few tricks up your sleeve. The advice I hate is the oh you are doing it wrong it should be THIS way advice. Excuse me? But, thankfully most of the time I think people just want to help, and that is sweet!
I love your perspective on this. I welcome advice from other mamas all.the.time. But I can't get behind the people that go out of their way to just give me their opinion about parenting, some who do not yet have children. That is when I deploy the smile-and-nod move. haha! Glad this week has been on the upside for you guys π
You are such a rock star of a mommy!! I'm really hoping next week turns out to be like this week for you. Mia has been working on her canines for the last 3 weeks and this week I've run out of patience and it's been R O U G H for both of us! Teething is the worrrrrrrst! And I welcome all advice on what helped other mommas… teething has never been this bad for us (insert ugly crying from both Mia and me!)
I love getting advice and try to soak it all in. But sometimes the things I hear come out of people's mouths leave me…. speechless. Just smile and nod π ha ha!
Is it bad most days I want to crack a beer, or a mimosa, or bloody Mary, or whatever, before noon? I'm kidding⦠Kind of.
Like you, most of the "advice" is welcomed. Sometimes a fresh spin on a tough problem (ie. sleeping through the night), or new way to approach a situation is a good thing. However, there are times when you kind of want to tell whom ever is offering "advice" to get lost. Not that I would ever do that. But the thought is certainly there. π
You are such an amazing mom! And seriously, if nothing else girl, know you are not alone! It's amazing how similar I feel like Waverly and Mason are. I, too, linked up today and feel the same as you. I totally open advice with open arms…if it is positive, constructive, and helpful. If you just want to judge and insult, the advice or "advice" is not welcome. Unfortunately I've been on the sides of both types of advice recently, especially since having Mason. Thankfully the positive outweigh the negative!
I love this- you seem like such a great mama!
Such a sweet compliment (I can't think of a better one!), so thank you!!!!! XO
oh my gosh she is such a sweetheart!!! Your pics are beautiful!
Thanks love!!! So glad you stopped by! π