Being a mom is not easy. Some days we feel as though we’re not coping well at all, and the slightest thing can send us into a spiral of doubt. But there is no such thing as a perfect mom – it’s an idea that none of us will ever reach so we should aim to show up for our kids and do the best we can. If you’re a new mom, here are ways to show up for your kids and be the best you can be – even when you feel discouraged.
Pay Attention
It’s important to give your kids your full attention. When you spend time with them – no matter what age categories they fall into – take the opportunity to really listen and observe. Do you really understand what they are trying to say to you? Are you considering their point of view? How does your child react in social settings? Are they more comfortable in small or large groups? What kinds of things trigger an upset? Can you see when they are showing signs of being tired or bored? Becoming attuned to your children and understanding their needs is the true sign of a good mom.
Help Your Child to Make Good Choices
A mom’s job is to raise future adults who can take their place in society. You need to teach them ways to make good choices based on what they feel is the right thing to do. Sometimes this won’t be easy. We all make mistakes but helping your child to understand that mistakes usually have consequences will help them to make better choices next time.
Set Aside Money for a College Fund
We all want our children to do well and, for many of us, that means being able to send them to college. If you haven’t already set up a college fund to help finance your children through further education, it’s important to take action now as the cost of education is rising at an alarming rate. There is the option to sell term life insurance policy if you no longer need coverage. This will help to release funds and you can always take out another policy later on if you feel like having a policy would give you extra security. You should also take the time to look into government funding and private student loans, as there are many options available.
Learn From Your Mistakes
And speaking of mistakes, you need to learn from yours too. Making mistakes is not a bad thing. See them as a growing experience and an opportunity to find ways to improve the way you raise your children. Even with all the help and advice available to parents, it’s important to find ways that work for you and your family. Never be afraid to admit your mistakes – you’re just human, not superhuman.
Teach Them About Finances
It’s never too early to teach kids about money. After all, money makes the world go round and children need to have a grasp on how finances work to be successful in the adult world. Introduce young children to the concept of money and how it’s exchanged for goods and services. As they grow older, you can encourage them to save and budget. Talk to them about how to manage their finances as they go to college and start to talk about the importance of saving for retirement early on.
