1. Accept your new body. We all know that pregnancy and motherhood change things. Especially the way things…um, sit. What once was high and firm and perky is now…well, not so high and maybe not so firm and definitely not so perky. BUT! Your body once had ANOTHER PERSON in it. Very cool, I think. Accepting your body (flaws and all) is simply giving it the respect it deserves.
2. Learn the fine art of budgeting.It’s not hard, really. (Go visit my friend Arlice at A Woman’s Worth – she’ll teach you. ) You’ve got to get your finances under control by this point in your life. Know what comes in, what’s going out and how to maximize what’s left over! Financial stability is vital for your kids, and getting your money in order is a great step in that direction.
3. Become (just a little bit more) secure in your mommy skills. I’m not saying you always know what you are doing every day, but I’m sure you feel a little more confident that if the kids come running to you for something, that you are able to handle it. I remember cringing every time my six-month-old daughter cried because I wasn’t sure what she wanted and I couldn’t handle failing once again. (My daughter had a look she’d give me, as in, “You idiot. You fail as my mommy!”) But slowly, I l learned how to soothe her and now I handle most problems with ease.
4. Establish a weekly routine of doing something just for you. It doesn’t matter what it is. If you enjoy knitting or bowling or swimming or exercising, do what feels good for you. Not something that will in some way directly benefit the kids (such as learning to sew so you can patch clothes or something), but something that brings joy to you and you alone. A happy mommy is a better mommy. Always remember that.
5. Master “the look” or whatever means of discipline you use to keep your kids in line. Right now, my daughter pretty much runs my life. Her needs are my needs and I live to keep her happy. She’s a darling little girl, doesn’t give me much trouble, so I have no problem giving her what she wants. There will come a day, however, when she isn’t so cooperative and I will need to discipline her. It’s good to know I’ll have something at my disposal to work with.
6. Find that one “mommy friend” who always, always, always has your back. Yes, she can be childless, but it’s a bonus if she knows exactly where you’re been.
7. Learn how to cook. You don’t have to become a gourmet chef, but you have to develop an arsenal of basic recipes and at least one WOW! dish that makes people think you can throw down in the kitchen with anyone.
7. Take a vacay by yourself – even if its just a weekend or an overnight trip. Leave the kids with the husband, or drop the kids off with Grandma, and go someone just for you. Bring your coziest robe, order some room service and watch a movie in bed. Let someone else do the cooking for a change!
8. Have a clear vision of what you want your life to look like for the next 10-15 years. I know having my kids wasn’t planned. The life I thought I would be leading right now has long been shattered to bits and it was taken me a minute to get back on track. Around 30, I will be able to look back at where I’ve been, and have clear goals for where I want to be.
9. Spend your days focused on the things that really matter. Family.
So what’s one of your personal goals to achieve before you turn 30? Let me know in the comments!
I’m definitely loving this post! Being on the other side of 30 (at age 31), I can give a “here here!” for the tips you’ve given. If we can employ at least 6 of the 9 tips (especially #8), we’d be well on our way to finding our stride and embracing the imbalance of working motherhood!
Ok, I’m grinning from ear to ear!
Well, I’m already 31 and I’m not even going to talk about 40, ok.
These are star tips and the one that really stuck out for me is no. 4. This may sound selfish, but my best friend once said if Mommy isn’t happy, no one is. I so agree! It’s almost like saying Mommy comes first. As bad as that may sound, putting yourself first will ensure that you run the household smoothly, that your 100% available mentally for homework help, that you have enough energy to run after and laugh with your toddler when she runs away from getting her diaper changed, so you can cook a healthy meal instead of relying on processed boxed foods becuause it’s quicker. Putting yourself first, making sure you’re well rested will help you balance career and family. Get your girl time too! Make sure you take a little break every now and then from being Mommy. Go to the cafe and curl up with a magazine, get a pedicure, do somehthing you like so you can come back reenergized and ready to take on mommyhood and the world.
Great tips. I’ve been all over #1 for a while, even though I am still on a secret quest to rid myself of the back fat, lol. Who will you catch at the beach in a too piece running from the waves with her daughter? ME! =)
Wonderful goals! As for me: I’m just trying to remember to floss 3 times a day…hehe.
I always enjoy reading your posts. I also can’t wait to work on many goals for myself to stay healthy and future goals for my family! I agree when I’m happy I can run my household. I’m getting in the swing of things when it comes to having “me” time without the guilt.
I want to have traveled to a foreign country and taken a real honeymoon with my husband.