“Life is better being a mom.”
Dear Mama, We Made It
Hi friends, it's me, Jillian. I know it's been awhile and I've missed pouring out the thoughts of my soul with you. I've been gone because quarantine and parenting aren't exactly the easiest combination. It's especially difficult when thrown the added task of homeschooling. If this was you too, I'm applauding you! We can now proudly say, we did it!
Do What You Have To Do
Hey mama, are you struggling to get through your day? Are you just not having it with the tantrums, refusals of naps, potty training mishaps, or fighting between children? Well, you are not alone, and I'm here to tell you to do what you gotta do!
The Never Ending Chaos of Motherhood
Motherhood is great, but one thing you will never hear is a mom tell you that it's easy. Whether you're a mother of one or ten, you'll definitely understand what I'm talking about when I say that it doesn't matter the amount of kids we have, the chaos surrounds us all.
Being a SAHM Doesn't Mean You Have to Give Up Your Dreams
Twelve years ago, I began my journey being a hairstylist. I actually thrived in cosmetology school, unlike ordinary schooling. It was a place for me to be creative and artistic, something you don't get at a four year college. During cosmetology school, I began to dream about my future as a hairstylist. The longer I was in school and the more I got to do hair, the bigger my dreams became. I was truly excited about what the future would hold for me. Thirteen months of forty hour school weeks later, I became a licensed cosmetologist. I even had my dream salon job, at Toni & Guy, which I landed shortly before I graduated. This was one of those salons that took in only the best for their team. The training that came along with the job, was bigger and better than almost any other salon. I even got to train with some of the best hairstylists of all time, Zak Mascolo and Joseph Marzioli. The training was extremely difficult at times, but well worth it. My dreams while working there got even bigger. Then I got pregnant and my world flipped upside down in the best way possible.
Parenting is a Gift We Don’t Always Steward Well
Kids can sometimes wake up in a bad mood. (Don't we all!) We often chalk it up to "waking up on the wrong side of the bed", but is that really the problem? I'm guessing if we asked ourselves that question, our answer would be no.
Focus On the Good to Enjoy the Growth
What do you see in this picture? You see a baby grinning from ear to ear. You see a happy moment with a child playing in the tub. What you don't see is a baby who peed in the tub, or a baby who threw a large cup full of that gross bath water in mommy's face. Parenting is full of joyful moments and it's also full of tough ones, but we can either choose to focus on the good or allow the bad overwhelm us.
Goodbye School, Hello Summer
School is finally reaching it's end for the year. Oh what a bittersweet time this is! It's such a special season for parents as we get these few months of quality time with our kiddos. The time to sleep in and stay in jammies all day. The extra giggles we get to listen to and just a little bit of extra time watching them grow up into their unique personalties. Although we absolutely love our extra time with them, we have to admit, summer break is tough!
Parenting Doesn’t End When They Turn 18
Some of us younger parents can be pretty naive. While we are deep in moments of parenting frustrations, we can sometimes think to ourselves that we are ready for our children to hit that 18 year old mark. We are ready for them to not be quite so dependent on us for everything. We can sometimes think that once they leave the house, it is no longer be our job to parent any longer, but we have it all wrong.
For All Of the Stay At Home Mom’s
The pressure of being a stay at home mom is huge! We are responsible for many things, such as our children's safety, making sure they are always keep clear from choking hazards or injuring themselves climbing too high in a tree. We are responsible for their behavior and becoming a good person, having manors, being kind to their siblings and other people. We are responsible for their learning, both before they enter kindergarten and through high school providing help with homework. This just scratches the surface of our jobs as stay at home moms.
The Best Parenting Advice
As a mama of four girls, I have received my fair share of parenting advice. I have gotten advice from others who are also parents, grandparents, and even from the moms who have never had children. You know, the women who have the perfect non existent children? Aren't they just well behaved?! One thing from all of them alike though is that the advice typically comes from a very loving and helpful place. But from all that advice I have received over the years, what exactly is my best piece of parenting advice for you??
Don't listen to others!