6 Ways My Parenting Style Has Evolved as a Seasoned Mom

home insemination Kit

Every now and then, I get a wild idea to take my two boys, ages 3 and 8 months, out for an evening adventure. Spoiler alert: it’s almost always a recipe for chaos, especially during their fussy hour. Just yesterday, we were driving home from the mall in the peak of rush hour when the inevitable happened—the moment we hit the car, both boys erupted into a symphony of screams that could rival a rock concert. Honestly, it was so over-the-top that I couldn’t help but chuckle. In that moment, I felt like a different kind of mom.

Something shifted within me. Instead of panicking and babbling, “We’ll be home soon!” while trying to soothe my little one, I simply sat back and took it all in with a detached amusement. It struck me that I might be transitioning from a new mom to a more seasoned one. It was a revelation I never thought I could ponder amidst the chaos. Here are six ways my approach to motherhood has changed since welcoming my second child:

1. Panic? What Panic?
   When my youngest stirs awake, I no longer dash to the crib like I’m on a rescue mission. I now finish what I’m doing before heading over, calmly.
2. Crying is Just a Tune
   I’ve embraced the reality that crying is a natural part of parenting. I even let my 8-month-old fuss a bit before sleep—something I would never have considered with my first.
3. Conflict is Part of the Game
   Setting boundaries used to feel daunting. I was afraid of stifling my firstborn’s spirit. Now, I see that regular conflict is a sign I’m doing my job right, keeping everyone safe and sound.
4. Perfection is Overrated
   I once stressed about my kids consuming only organic, unprocessed foods and beat myself up over breastfeeding. Now, I prioritize a balanced life over perfection and apply essentials like sunblock without a meltdown.
5. Letting Them Be
   I used to be all hands-on, singing and narrating every moment to my baby. Now, I give my kids the space to create their own little adventures and learn to entertain themselves.
6. Trusting Others is Key
   With my first, I was a control freak, hesitant to let anyone hold him. Now, I readily pass my baby to willing hands, seizing opportunities for a breather. It’s liberating!

I’ve learned to value not just my kids’ well-being but my own too. My love is no longer measured in endless worries.

As I was navigating through a traffic jam yesterday, the screaming reached new heights, and I started to doubt my transformation. But then I remembered the stash of crackers I had tucked in the center console! With those tasty distractions, my faith in this newfound calm was restored. I mean, who keeps crackers in the car if they aren’t a seasoned mom? They worked their magic, and we made it home with minimal drama. Amidst the chaos, I found the ability to laugh instead of panic—because I knew all would be well, even if it sounded like a horror movie in the backseat.

For more insights into parenting and home insemination, check out this post or explore Make a Mom for expert advice. Also, if you’re on the journey of pregnancy, don’t miss March of Dimes for valuable resources.

In summary, my journey as a seasoned mom has taught me to embrace chaos with laughter, prioritize balance over perfection, and trust in both my parenting instincts and the help of others.