SALT LAKE CITY — I've learned some amazing things from my kids.

Two years ago I wrote about 12 things I had learned because I was a mom. At the time, my children were little. Well, they kept growing and I kept learning.

As parents I don't think the learning is ever complete. After all, we're just figuring this parent thing out as we go — and just when we get one stage figured out, it's time to move on to the next.

Here are 12 more things I've learned thanks to my school-aged children:

1. I can't always be the 'cool mom'

And actually being the "cool mom" is rarely my thing. The last time I tried showing off for my kids, I threw a rib out! Often I need to be the "supportive mom" and the "boring mom" and the "please-do-what-I've-already-asked mom."

2. There are worse things than video games

Of course, all things in moderation. But I've seen video games expand thinking and encourage imagination. There are some television shows I worry about more than video games.

3. A good book makes all the difference

Getting my kids to read every day is hard. Yet, I've found the right book can re-direct a poor reader, re-connect a distracted parent with eager kids, even re-invigorate an overwhelmed mom to take time for herself.

4. A forged signature isn't the end of the world

School can be tough, and I've learned to first ask the "why" behind my kids' actions before I punish them over the "what."

5. Few things beat a spontaneous family dance party

We often "shake it off" or "whip" and "nae nae" across the kitchen floor. I smile, laugh and pull a muscle, and then everything seems better. For a few moments my kids are impressed with their parents' moves, but that quickly changes to embarrassment. (And I've learned I kind of like the look on their face when I'm embarrassing.)

6. No time for friends seems to be the worst thing ever

Nothing upsets a hopeful child like the lack of time between the end of homework and the start of dinner. For that matter, I'm a better person too when I have time with my friends.

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7. To drop the gloves

I pick my battles because most things aren't worth a fight — like wearing a tie to church, science experiments in the freezer, or glitter scattered everywhere. And then the things I do fight for, I usually win.

8. Technology is tantalizing

I don't know what it's like to be a kid with Wi-Fi, email, DVRs or hand-held devices. My Walkman wasn't too distracting. So, I've learned it's OK to keep changing the rules as I learn how to parent around technology.

9. To start the day right

A solid breakfast, for me as well as the kids, makes a big difference (I use to forget to feed myself). And if we can get off to school on time, without yelling, it's already been a great day.

10. To hate chore charts

I hate them because I'm always the one to implement them. I hate them because it brings out the "please-do-what-I've-already-asked mom." And I hate that without a good chore chart, the house seems to crumble to (Lego) pieces.

11. Hearts really do ache

My heart aches when I watch my kids hurting. It aches when I don't have the answers I need to help them. And it really aches when I look at old pictures or videos and remember how little my children once were. It hurts that I can't get that time back (even though I didn't know how I'd ever live through it).

12. My kids prefer a babysitter over me

That is, just until bedtime — then nothing seems to beat goodnight cuddles with mom. It seems even to bigger kids, moms are still irreplaceable.

Nicole Carpenter CEO of www.MOMentity.com and creator of Define Your Time training program. She is a speaker and bestselling author "52 Weeks to Fortify Your Family." Nicole and her husband are raising four kids in Syracuse, Utah. Follow her on Twitter @momentity.

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