Makin' it through the day

Sometimes life needs a little perspective. I find that this is more true now that I am a mother. Funny enough, it has taken me the last four years to really understand that perspective can be everything.

Here’s a list of things learned in three years of parenting written by Kathleen over at a blog about what:

• Small children can, and will, live off toast alone. Don’t question it. Don’t fight it. Just make the damn toast.
• Just when you think you have it all figured out, everything changes.
• Sleep is overrated. You can survive on way less than you think.
• Shit happens. In so many ways.
• Dance parties are a great way to pass the time.
• Things can always get worse. Much, much worse. Believe it.
• Your boss/co-worker/bus driver/telemarketer/cashier/swimming instructor/lawyer/barista does not care about your child’s bowel movements. Keep it to yourself.
• Laughing at the small things is vital. Laugh a lot.
• The world is amazing. Look at it from the eyes of a small child.
• Making your kids your life is not healthy. Live your own life. You’ll both be thankful.
• Many new friends are waiting just around the corner.
• Kids know a hell of a lot more than we think.
• Go with the flow. You’ll be a lot happier that way.
• Mama bear is just below the surface and will appear anytime your child is threatened. This will scare even you when she appears. It’s an animal instinct; don’t fight it. And for god’s sake, back away slowly when you see someone else’s mama bear come out. Don’t make eye contact.
• If you want them to eat, they won’t. If you want them to sleep, they won’t. If you have no food, they are staving. If you have to keep them up, they are exhausted.
• Your birthdays/feelings/dates/plans/presents/sleep/needs are no longer important.
• Don’t go near your children in a cute outfit. They will barf, poop, pee, or wipe their nose on it before you can make it out of the house.
• Buy everything one size bigger than you think you need.
• Nobody’s perfect, so stop trying to be.
• Getting dirty is awesome.
• It takes a tribe. Ask for help and accept it when it’s offered.
• Let your kid be an individual.
• Get out of the house and explore the world.
• Farts are funny.

You can read her full post here.

It made me laugh, and these days, that’s a good thing.