The Best Parenting Advice

As the mother of four, there are a few things I have learned and am reminded of on a daily basis. First and foremost, little boys have poor aim, they just do. The things that are favorites today are considered poisonous tomorrow. Last but not least, you are not “better at” parenting just because you have multiple kids, you are just thrown more parental monkey wrenches. Over the past few years I have written numerous posts on parenting and the things that have worked (or not) for us. Don’t miss my best parenting advice from the past year.

My greatest joy, other than a successful nighttime routine, is hearing from my readers with questions about their current parenting challenges, or when my advice has helped them. These were the posts that really hit home with parents last year. Please know that I welcome comments and follow up questions on all my posts. Together we can grow as parents and thrive through the “phases” that we anxiously hope will pass without causing permanent scarring.

Mama in the Now’s TOP Parenting Posts:

Ten Things to Tell Your Kids About Bullying!

“Unfortunately for some children (and their parents), a new school year is the cause of anxiety and worry. Will this year be a continuation of the last? When will the bullying begin? Will it be addressed and stop, or ignored and escalate? Bullying is real, it is scary and it is dangerous!”

Parenting is Hard! – And Then These Things Happen…

“I am just going to put this out there: PARENTING IS HARD! Ok, I said it – and I am sure you agree, unless you don’t have any kids yet (because then you confidently have all the answers and solutions). But if you consider any number of children yours by birth, adoption, default or surprise then you realize that we as parents have so many opportunities to screw up our kids over the course of a day.”

Ten Signs Your Toddler is Ready for the Potty

“Personally, I am never in a rush to potty train the boys, I wait until they are old enough to write me a 30 page dissertation on all the reasons why “Now is the Time to Potty Train”. Jansen recently handed in his paper, and after close review I have to agree that he might be ready to step into the big leagues. These are Jansen’s signs of readiness.”

Learn the Eight Signs of Teething!

““Teething bites!” – I think all parents (and babies) can agree on this. There is no worse feeling in the world, than watching your child in discomfort or pain – and feel completely helpless. Teething is definitely a milestone I deem as a necessary evil. Your otherwise sweet and wiggly cuddle-bear turns into a drooling cranky baby from one minute to the next – especially at night, right as you have established an otherwise predictable and mutually comfortable routine. Learn to recognize the eight signs of teething, so you can get your happy baby back in no time.”

When Should You Introduce The Bottle? Don’t Do What I Did!

“As a breastfeeding mom it is very easy to feel like you will forever be walking around with a baby hanging off your breast, especially in the first couple of months. Your life is full of cuddling, nursing sessions, diaper changes and smelling the baby’s head (what is it about their little heads?!) – before you know it another day has passed. If you are returning to work, or need to get out of the house for longer than 2-3 hours at a time without the baby in tow, you will have to break out the breast pump and make nice with the machine.”

I have joined over 30 bloggers to share our best parenting posts from last year. Don’t miss the incredible resource to be found here. Get your parenting worries and concerns addressed and answered by parents, like you, who know and appreciate that parenting matters. Go ahead and pin articles for later reference. This is especially helpful for posts that address issues you know will be in your future soon!

Link: This year’s best parenting tips!