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SALT LAKE CITY — It’s Mother’s Day this weekend, which means it’s not only a day for thanking our mothers and mother-figures (and a day to be pampered as mothers ourselves), it’s a day for waxing poetic about all that is lovely and grand about motherhood and be in awe of this glorious vocation and calling in life.
In that light, this week’s Pinterest review isn’t actually a review — I won’t be giving grades on the pins in today’s post. Instead, I’ve rounded up some of the most inspiring and thought-provoking links that give beautiful insights and invaluable advice for those in the trenches of motherhood.
Happy Mother’s Day!
100 ways to be kind to your child
It’s probably safe to say that all of us want to be kind and loving to our children, but we all know that being a parent is stressful, and unfortunately kindness doesn’t just happen — some days we have to make a conscious effort, and even then it doesn’t always come easy.
Follow ksl.com on Pinterest HERE
If you find yourself being short with your children more often than you’d like, check out this great list of 100 ways to be kind to your child from creativewithkids.com. The list includes things to say (like, “I love you even when you are angry at me,” and, “I enjoyed playing with you today”), things to play (like “I Spy” and tag) and things to do (like put chocolate chips in the pancakes and spend time watching construction sites). The list is grouped into categories, including Ask, Show, Take Time, Listen and Pretend. The suggestions are simple but will undoubtedly have a huge impact on both you and your children.
25 rules for mothers of sons
Another wonderful list I couldn’t pass up: Written by Tabitha at studerteam.blogspot.com, this list of 25 rules for mothers with sons includes the practical (“Always carry Band-Aids and wipes on you”), silly (“Encourage him to dance”) and serious (“Give him something to believe in”). Just as poignant as the tips are Tabitha’s supporting arguments. For example, for rule No. 15, “Let him lose,” she writes: “Losing sucks. Everybody isn't always a winner. Even if you want to say, "You're a winner because you tried," don't. He doesn't feel like a winner, he feels sad and crappy and disappointed. And that's a good thing, because sometimes life also sucks, no matter how hard (as moms) we try to make it not suck for our kids. This practice will do him good later when he loses again (and again, and again, and again, and again...) Instead make sure he understands that sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But that doesn't mean you ever give up.”
Don’t carpe diem
Being told, in a million different ways to CARPE DIEM makes me worry that if I'm not in a constant state of intense gratitude and ecstasy, I'm doing something wrong.
–- Glennon Melton, blogger
This piece published to the Huffington Post has been circulating the web and posted to Facebook nearly 140,000 times, and for good reason: It has a way of both commiserating with frustrated mothers and being intensely motivational at the same time. It is a must-read for mothers with young children.
In her post "Don't carpe diem," blogger Glennon Melton starts off with this: “Every time I'm out with my kids, this seems to happen: An older woman stops us, puts her hand over her heart and says something like, ‘Oh, enjoy every moment. This time goes by so fast.’ ...I know that this message is right and good. But, I have finally allowed myself to admit that it just doesn't work for me. ...This CARPE DIEM message makes me paranoid and panicky. … Being told, in a million different ways to CARPE DIEM makes me worry that if I'm not in a constant state of intense gratitude and ecstasy, I'm doing something wrong.”
With beautiful prose and touching honesty, Melton goes on to explain what does work for her: Instead of panicking when the days don’t go so well, she looks for those beautiful moments — small as they are — when time seems to stand still and the glory of being a mother can really shine through.
Motherhood mantra for those less-than-perfect days
Let’s end with something tangible — a blog post with a beautiful printable. This post from Another Mormon Mommy Blog explains just why the worn-out motherhood clichés are (unfortunately) true, but offers inspiration for mothers at the end of their rope: “Remember what it is you are doing as a mother: You are raising a human being. … You are daring to make the world a better place by shaping a young mind to be curious, be smart, be kind, be loving, be adventurous, be generous, be an individual. You believe enough in yourself to impart your ideals and values onto another human being who will then go out into the world and leave his or her mark forever.”
The post ends with a lovely free printable with this poignant motherhood mantra: "My child is a divine gift. Being a mother is the most important duty I have ever been given. I will care for my child with patience and joy and be grateful for the privilege of this honor."
Also on Pinterest:
Supermom debunked: From the blog toddlerapproved.com, Kristina writes: "Instead of aspiring to be Super Mom, I want to be more intentional about 'trying to be a good mom.'"
Katherine Ozment writes a critical article for Boston Magazine on the dangers of overparenting, using her own faults and weaknesses as a starting point for discovering just how much is too much parenting.
