Being the mom I should be

This is a list I found online, but lost the link to, but thought it was a good reminder. Sometimes you get so caught up in being a parent, that you forget to actually BE A PARENT.

1. Heal your relationship with your parents the best you know how.
2. Children spell LOVE - T-I-M-E. Do things with your kids often, not just watch TV.
3. Help your children learn about things not taught in school (like spirituality).
4. Always take time to enjoy your children's accomplishments and praise them.
5. Teach your children about music especially your favorite songs.
6. Criticize in private, praise in public. Never yell at your children in front of people.
7. Teach your children how to choose friends and avoid trouble.
8. Talk to your children about drugs, alcohol and sex.
9. Take family vacations.
10. Be involved, not controlling in your children's lives.

 And this is my own, but be mindful of your children. Little eyes see all and little ears hear everything. Be the type of person you would want your children to be. This is so hard and I often do not realize my mistakes until I see the behavior or hear the words coming from my children. It is hard, and everyone has their own idea of what is appropriate or not, but most people agree on the common core values and your children deserve to be given every opportunity in life to succeed and be happy.

When I think back on the times in life when I took for granted my life, or wished I could just get away for a little bit, or got frustrated over the small things, it really makes me upset. Sometimes it takes being knocked down to see what is really important in life, and I am so happy and blessed to have been given the opportunity to look inside myself and make the changes to try to become the mother I should be.