Ok, So I must admit being a parent is not easy. Play dates are fun, playing dress-up is amazing, and family outings makes a weekend worthwhile, but when you start to get down to the true essence of parenting it is no walk in the park. I have been that parent, criticizing others for how they discipline their child, and in my head thinking “No way will that go in my house.” It’s easy to judge from the outside looking in. It wasn’t until recently when I became the parent on the other end. One day when my friends were over, my daughter decided it will be her way or no way. The night consisted of frequent no’s, tantrums, throwing, and I was LIVID. I’m sure my friends thought, “boy if that was my child,” that night I couldn’t sleep thinking about where I went wrong with parenting. Then I had a reality check with myself, and a couple things put me at ease. As parents, we’re so consumed with having the perfect well-mannered child, and being the perfect parent, I’d like to think that doesn’t exists, especially not with toddlers. Our main goal becomes how we’re perceived as parents but no one can give you a grade on parenting but yourself. Just because others sees your child at his/her worst doesn’t mean they didn’t see them at his/her best.
Parenting is not a competition and it is not in the pleasing business. Sure, family members will come over and offer their two cents about what we’re doing wrong, but don’t be fooled, ALL parents had to learn from their OWN mistakes. I am not against advice, in fact I love advice, but there is a thin line between advice, and criticizing. I do believe children need strict and firm discipline, however the way I discipline my one year old is different from the way I discipline my two year old because they have different personalities, the same goes for parenting. Parenting is not one size fits all, it involves knowing your child, trial and error, and consistency with your parenting rules. Don’t be so hard on yourself, if your child is acting out try to figure out what recently changed in the home, if there is no logic reason then switch up your discipline skills. Rest assure, that both of you are learning, and just because you’re the parent doesn’t mean you start off with all the answers.
In other news, The Mom’s Club had an amazing time at mom’s night out this weekend. The evening consisted of mingling, prizes, giveaways, on-site manicures, makeovers, and dancing. All the ladies truly enjoyed networking with each other, and having a good ole’ fun time!! Check out some pictures below from the event. Visit our facebook page for a full preview of the event: https://www.facebook.com/mdmomsclub
Jessica Byrd, is the mother of a one and two year old, and founder of Metro Detroit Moms Club. Moms Club is a organization that meets on a monthly basis for playdates, workshops, moms night out events, and more.
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