Sometimes, it feels like everyday of Motherhood is new and different. Some days are filled with laughter, snuggles and family dance parties while others are filled with toddler tantrums, sinks full of dishes and tears. Our world was completely turned upside down for the better when we found out we were becoming parents for the first time. I wondered how we would change, how we would be as parents in our new roles. Well, things have changed, but a lot is still the same. Especially how much I learn from my husband daily. Before we got married, I described it as that we just fit – in areas I struggled, he helped make sense of it all. And, he continues to do that through motherhood.
Lately, I have just read so much about motherhood, but dads/husbands play such a huge and equal role in parenthood. Here are 7 Things My Husband Has Taught Me About Motherhood
You’re Not Wonder Woman
Ask for help. In our college days, I was always an overachiever. I would take on a ton of classes, insane work load and thrive. I have always loved a busy schedule. But, even in those busy days, he would quietly whisper that I couldn’t put that much pressure on myself. You’re not Wonder Woman. He has showed me the same lesson in motherhood. I am not Wonder Woman. I cannot clean the house, take care of the kids, work full time, do the dishes, take a shower and be a good wife/friend/daughter. I canNOT do it all, all the time. I need to ask for help when I need it.
Give Yourself Grace
In the same breath, he would remind me to give myself grace and throw perfection out the window. We are not in the stage of life for a perfect living room. Most days, there is a string of toys in every room in the house. Most days I don’t even begin to touch dishes (which Kevin makes magically disappear when he comes home). Moral of the story, give yourself grace. You won’t get everything right in parenting. Sometimes you are wrong. Sometimes you loose your patience. Sometimes you don’t handle everything the best – give yourself grace.
Enjoy the little things
Parenthood is HARD. Enjoy the little moments. It is easy for me to let one thing ruin my day and mood. This is something I have to actively work on in life and Kevin helps me with this tremendously. I don’t want to miss one day of laughter or smiles because I was in a funk. I want to cherish each moment. He encourages me when I feel like this to throw a family dance party. For some reason, music just puts us all in a better mood. Both of our kids love it, I love it, Kev loves it – it just works. Dance it out.
Its okay to be a little selfish
Okay okay, by this I mean. Its OKAY to take a few minutes to yourself. It is OKAY to shower without two little animals banging on the door. Its okay to need a minute. I am so thankful Kevin understands the art of a shopping day, dinner out and a few minutes to myself. Sometimes the pressure gets hard and I need a minute. I also grew up as an only child so I require a little time to myself every now and then to feel refreshed. It helps me be a better wife and mom.
Intuition isn’t just for moms
Yep, I said that. Kevin taught me this lesson early on. I have always been a big advocate that you are not the perfect mom, but you are the perfect mom for your baby. They are half of you. You know them. Well, dad is the other half. Sometimes, HE knows when you should let them “cry it out”. Sometimes he doesn’t feel comfortable with a certain punishment or parenting style. Listen. You both of parenting instincts for a reason.
How To Find Patience
Okay, this slightly goes with enjoying the little things. But, honestly, when I watch Kevin with our kids, by his actions, he encourages me to have more patience. I see him careful explain things to Brooke or stop to build a castle. I see him have so much patience and it encourages me.
Unconditional Love
People say its hard to categorize the difference in the love you have for your spouse and your kids. For me, I sum it up as all unconditional love. I see Kevin strive to love our family well daily. I see him serve us without expectation. I see so much love and its inspiring. He helps me be a better person and mom just by who he is as a man.
If you can’t tell, I am getting all sappy now. I am just so incredibly thankful to do parenting with him by my side. Do we get it perfect? Heavens NO. But, we do it together and encourage one another daily and build each other up. I am so grateful for each lesson and each day with my little family.