8 ways to deal with Anger as a parent

1. Recognize you can't control others, you can only control your response to them. Be positive. Set limits if needed. Recognize what is in your sphere of influence and what is not.

For example, I can't control that my toddler is teething and up all night. I can control how I act when he is screaming. :)

2. Choose to look for the good. Being nit picky or focusing too much on what your child is doing that is annoying you will make you more frustrated.

For example, if your child keeps saying, "No mommy" or hitting a sibling, instead of saying, "don't tell me no" or "stop hitting," think of what you want your child to be doing instead and tell them. Sometimes we forget that kids are just kids and they are still learning. Often we tell them what not to do... but they don't know what to do.

3. Give yourself a time out.

Remove yourself from the situation. When my son was a baby he had horrible colic, sometimes I would need to just set him in his crib and lie down to give myself a five minute break, it helped me be a better mom to him

4. Get plenty of sleep and eat well.

A coke and chocolate bar doesn't count. :)


5. Exercise regularly.

I totally notice the upbeat attitude I have about life in general when i exercise regularly. Its my little hour break from being a mommy everyday that I always look forward too!

6. Pray and seek inspiration.

I pray every day that I will have patience with my kids. I also pray that I will know how to be a good parent. During the hardest parts of the day, saying a quick prayer can help me get an instant boost.

7. Ask for help.

As I mentioned I am a full time college student, as well as mother and my husband works full time and goes to school full time... we stay busy. And I happen to have the best mom and mother in law ever, they come about every other week to help out (we live a few hours away from all of our family) I dont know how I would do it without them!

8. Spend time with friends or family who are supportive.

Nothing to turn my day around like taking my son to the park with a few other mommies who know what I'm going through! We can laugh at the hard moments and catch up on our lives. Friends are one of the biggest stress relievers I've found! Plus it gets me out of the house!
Compliments of Toddlerapproved.com

Diaper Bags

A well-stocked diaper bag can save the day. But what do you really need in there? It depends on how old your child is, how long you'll be out, where you're going, and how prepared you like to be.

The essentials
Diapers- One for each hour you'll be out, plus a few extra – just in case.
Wipes- You can stick ten or so in a plastic bag if you're not going out for long. Wipes are perfect not just for diaper changes, but also for sticky hands and dirty surfaces.
Hand sanitizer- For cleaning your hands after diaper changes when there's no time or place to wash them.
Changing pad- Many diaper bags come with a reusable changing pad, or you can buy one separately. Some parents like the disposable ones for traveling. A hand towel from home will also do.
Plastic or biodegradable bags- For storing soiled diapers, clothes, and baby blankets. Just make sure your child can't get to them, since plastic bags (including the biodegradable versions) pose a suffocation risk.
Bottle(s) of formula or expressed breast milk if you're bottle-feeding
Snacks (for older babies and toddlers)- Depending on the age of your child, this could include a jar of baby food and a spoon, or finger foods. Bring a few bibs as well.
Sippy cup of milk, water, or juice (for toddlers)
Blanket- You can use it to cover your baby or as a changing pad, nursing cover, bib, shade, or burp cloth.
Extra clothes for your child- You never know when spit-up, drool, spills, or poop explosions will necessitate a change of clothing.
Pacifier (if your child uses one) or other comfort item
Sunscreen or a hat to protect your child from the sun
Emergency information- Make sure you have the phone numbers of your family's doctors programmed in your cell phone and health insurance cards in your wallet. You may also want to fill out this emergency contacts worksheet and take a copy with you.

The extras
Diaper rash cream- Sample sizes often work well and take up less space.
Tissues
Nail clippers- You never know when your little one will doze off and give you the perfect opportunity to clip those tiny nails.
Camera- Moments worthy of capturing can happen anywhere!
Nursing cover- For breastfeeding in public, these fabric drapes cover your chest and give more privacy than the basic blanket-over-the-shoulder approach.
Breast pads for nursing moms- Slip these in your bra to absorb breast milk leaks.
Sling or wrap for carrying your baby- Even if you're heading out with a stroller, you may prefer to park it and transfer your baby to a hands-free carrier if you're headed someplace crowded.
Toys, board books, and crayons and coloring pages or paper- Choose toys based on your outing and your child's age. A toddler going to a restaurant often requires a lot of entertaining distractions, while a 4-month-old may be happy with one rattle.
First-aid kit- You may want to include adhesive bandage strips, antibiotic cream, pain reliever, and other first-aid supplies.

Necessities for Mom

If you're not carrying a separate purse, make sure to pack your essentials, too! These may include:
Wallet
Keys
Cell phone
Sunglasses
Pen and paper
Snacks, mints, or gum
Bottle of water or other drink
Book or magazine
New shirt in case of spit-up or a spill

Diaper bag tips

A waterproof lining makes life easier when spills occur.
Multiple compartments can keep your items organized and easy to find.
Prevent leaks by packing medicines and snacks in resealable plastic bags.
Save time by packing similar items together, such as clothing, in a resealable bag.
Consider buying two diaper bags – a small one for quick trips and a larger one for longer outings. Some parents keep a basic diaper bag or changing supplies in the car at all times.
Try diaper bags on for size. No one bag is comfortable and convenient for everyone.
Sometimes the best diaper bags are those that are designed for other purposes, such as tote bags or backpacks. If you don't find something you think will work well for you, broaden your search.
- Courtesy of Babycenter.com

Whats in your diaper bag???

Why you kids won't eat their veggies

I am taking a motivational psychology class this semester and learned some interesting info that all parents should know before they threaten their kids lives over a few bites of broccoli!!

Some Facts:
We're born preferring sweet tastes; we have to learn to like everything else. There's a good reason why we prefer sweet tastes.
Some sour or bitter substances are poisonous but very few sweet tasting things are.

Hundreds of thousands of years ago our prehistoric ancestors who ate sour or bitter things were more likely to perish, those who ate only sweet things were more likely to survive. Liking sweet tastes was a survival mechanism that has been passed down to us. Thousands of years ago it was adaptive.

Most of the time when a child refuses vegetables he's not being willful or malicious; the reluctance to try unfamiliar tastes was inherited.

So remember next time your child won't eat some foods that its due to biological and learned factors!

If your child was breastfed he may have a slight advantage in learning to like new foods because the taste of breast milk varied from day to day depending on what Mom's been eating. The breastfed baby is accustomed to different tastes so it's easier to try something new. In contrast, the taste of formula is always the same so it might take longer for a bottle fed infant to accept a new taste.

Worry

The one word that plagues many pregnancies.
Its easy to get caught up in all the stress and anxiety of wondering if your baby is ok but try not to.

If you are feeling good and your doctor says your baby is growing well, chances are things are good!

Most of the time we worry about things that are out of our control, we worry about things like genetic defects, disorders and the overall health of our babies, the only thing you can do to allay those things is to take care of yourself, which means worrying less!

Once the baby is born you may find yourself continually, obsessively worrying, talk with your doctor about it as that may be an indication of Post-partum depression.

Getting pregnant changes your life and means that you will probably experience mild worry for the duration of your life, worry about the child's eating, crawling, pooping, talking, which school they should go to and so on. But try not to get caught up in those distressing thoughts, Just ENJOY each moment with your child and appreciate their uniqueness!

Post Baby weight loss

The BIGGEST thing to remember here is that it took you 9 months to gain the weight and it may take you that long to lose it, although that depends on your body type, nutrition and exercise.

I gained about 25 lbs with my son, and I lost most of it within weeks but I had a lingering 4 lbs or so that took up to 3 or 4 months to get rid of.

DO NOT exercise before you are 6 weeks or before you have the go-ahead from your doctor! But some small exercises are encouraged right away, such as crunches, if you had a problem-free delivery. Always talk to your doctor about when you can start and what types you can do.

Remember Breastfeeding can shrink you back to your pre- pregnancy weight because it causes more (after pains) cramping which shrinks your uterus more quickly.

Pre-Baby Bucket list

If you're starting to think about getting pregnant, I've already given you plenty of advice on all of the things you should be doing: getting your finances in order, taking prenatal vitamins, learning your company's maternity leave policy . . . but what about the fun stuff? The trips you want to take, and the splurges you want to make?

Now is a great time to sit down and think about what exactly you want to do before your life changes in the biggest and best way. This is one thing I didn't do that I wish I would have.

My pre-baby bucket list would've included taking that dream cruise the hubbs and I have been wanting to do for the last few years!

What does your Pre-baby bucket list look like?

Sleep

Sleep.... the new mothers elusive goal

I can totally relate to those of who who's babies did not sleep. My son would wake up anywhere from 3-5 times a night until he was somewhere around 10 months old. It was AWFUL! I am one of those people who needs 8-9 hours to function, I used to love sleeping in whenever I could and I'll be the first to admit I probably slept too much. I had alot of friends with babies around my sons age and it seemed like all of their kids slept through the night from about 2 months on... I wanted to punch them haha just kidding but it was rough to say the least!

What I blame from my sons lack of sleep:
I never put my son on a real strict schedule he eventually fell into one around 5 months or so but next time I will try to make a schedule so that baby knows when its time to sleep and when its time to play.

What saved me:
The best support system ever, my parents and my in-laws! They would come and stay with us or we could go and stay with them and they would watch the baby the whole night! I don't think they will ever understand what a help that was. It rejuvenated me and helped me keep on keepin on.

One thing I did well:
I taught my son to fall asleep on his own, even now at 14 months I can lay him down in his crib and he will fall asleep on his own! WHAT A BLESSING!

Good luck with your babies and try and get some sleep whenever you can!

Food for the Mothers Soul

Dear President Benson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints tells us this:
"Young mothers and fathers, with all my heart I counsel you not to postpone having your children, being co-creators with our Father in Heaven.
Do not use the reasoning of the world, such as, “We’ll wait until we can better afford having children, until we are more secure, until John has completed his education, until he has a better-paying job, until we have a larger home, until we’ve obtained a few of the material conveniences,” and on and on.
This is the reasoning of the world, and is not pleasing in the sight of God. Mothers who enjoy good health, have your children and have them early. And, husbands, always be considerate of your wives in the bearing of children.
Do not curtail the number of your children for personal or selfish reasons. Material possessions, social convenience, and so-called professional advantages are nothing compared to a righteous posterity. In the eternal perspective, children—not possessions, not position, not prestige—are our greatest jewels."

How often to we find ourselves rationalizing this way and putting off our greatest duties as Mothers for selfish reasons. Its so easy to do and this article really helps put everything in perspective

Check out the full article HERE

Kony 2012

I know this has gone viral and alot of you already know about it but I wanted to take a minute to support this cause. We all love our children and want to protect them, lets help these poor children and stop Joseph Kony this year!

How to really Love Motherhood

Source: danielleisnesting.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Morning Sickness

Morning sickness usually refers to the nauseous feeling many women get during the first trimester.

Its important to note that:
morning sickness happens all throughout the day
Not all women experience morning sickness
morning sickness can happen all throughout your pregnancy
The intensity of morning sickness can and will vary woman to woman

Overall, this condition affects about three quarters of pregnant women during the first trimester. About half of all pregnant women suffer from both nausea and vomiting, one quarter has nausea alone, and one quarter lucks out altogether. -Babycenter.com

Here are some cures for Morning Sickness:
Eat small, frequent meals and snacks throughout the day so your stomach is never empty. One small study found that high-protein foods were more likely to ease symptoms.

Keep simple snacks, such as crackers, by your bed. When you first wake up, nibble a few crackers and then rest for 20 to 30 minutes before getting up. Snacking on crackers may also help you feel better if you wake up nauseated in the middle of the night.

By the way, getting up slowly in the morning – sitting on the bed for a few minutes rather than jumping right up – may also be helpful.

Try to avoid foods and smells that trigger your nausea. If that seems like almost everything, it's okay to eat the few things that do appeal to you for this part of your pregnancy, even if they don't add up to a perfectly balanced diet.

It might also help to stick to bland foods. Also try to eat food cold or at room temperature, because food tends to have a stronger aroma when it's hot.

Avoid fatty foods, which take longer to digest. Also steer clear of rich, spicy, acidic, and fried foods, which can irritate your digestive system.

Try drinking fluids mostly between meals. And don't drink so much at one time that your stomach feels full, as that will make you less hungry for food. A good strategy is to sip fluids frequently throughout the day. You might find cold, carbonated beverages easiest to keep down.

Aim to drink about a quart and a half altogether. If you've been vomiting a lot, try a sports drink that contains glucose, salt, and potassium to replace lost electrolytes.

Watch for non-food triggers, too. A warm or stuffy room, the smell of heavy perfume, a car ride, or even certain visual stimuli, like flickering lights, might set you off. Avoidance of triggers can become an important part of your treatment.

Nausea can become worse if you're tired, so give yourself time to relax and take naps if you can. Watching a movie (preferably not one about food!) or visiting with a friend can help relieve stress and take your mind off your discomfort.


Try taking your prenatal vitamins with food or just before bed. You might also want to ask your healthcare provider whether you can switch to a prenatal vitamin with a low dose of iron or no iron for the first trimester, since this mineral can be hard on your digestive system.

Try ginger, an alternative remedy thought to settle the stomach and help quell queasiness. See if you can find ginger ale made with real ginger. (Most supermarket ginger ales aren't.) Grate some fresh ginger into hot water to make ginger tea, or see if ginger candies or crystallized ginger helps.

Try an acupressure band, a soft cotton wristband that's sold at drugstores. You strap it on so that the plastic button pushes against an acupressure point on the underside of your wrist. This simple and inexpensive device, designed to ward off seasickness, has helped some pregnant women through morning sickness – although research suggests that it may be largely a placebo effect.

Ask your provider about a device that stimulates the underside of your wrist with a mild electric current. This "acustimulation" device is safe, though it can cause local skin irritation. (Be sure to use the gel that comes with it to help prevent this from occurring.)

Also try Vitamin B6, no one knows exactly why this helps but I know many women who swear by this. Banana and Avocado are great natural sources of B6. However you can buy supplements, 10-25 milligrams 3 times a day is whats normally recommended for vomiting and nauseous women. Talk to your doctor about the right supplement for you!

I'm Pregnant, now what?

One of the things I was most surprised about when I became pregnant is that you don't actually have your first doctors appointment until you are anywhere from 8-12 weeks pregnant! WHAT!!!!

I felt like now that I was pregnant I needed to hurry up and see a doctor to make sure everything was ok, it was alot of a hurry up and wait process. Once you have a positive pregnancy test you will wait anywhere from 1-2 more months to even see a doctor.

Pregnancy is a huge waiting game and a great time to learn patience for when that child becomes a toddler!

In the mean time eat right, exercise and enjoy this exciting time!