Day 15...Practical Tips for New Moms #1-5

Dear Sadie,
Today I want to write some light-hearted, practical tips for you when you become a mother.  I hope you will find them helpful, or at least entertaining.  So here goes.  The first five off the top of my head.

1)  If you can't go to the gym, it's helpful to have a house with stairs.  And if your children say "carry me," just do it.

2)  Get your children involved in chores as early as they are able to understand simple directions, about 18 months.  They can pick up toys, help you put clothes in the dryer, and wipe things with a damp cloth.  They love feeling the power of accomplishment, even at a young age.  When they're two-three they can sort silverware (take out the knives), help make beds, wipe down counters, feather dust, bring you things, and pick up things off the floor.  This is mostly for them to learn there's more to life than playing.  Work is fun.  It's good for them to have a sense of role and responsibility in the household.  And they're never too young to learn about earning rewards and how work pays off.

3)  Allow yourself at least 2-3 forgetful moments per day (at least!)  It's called "mommy brain" and it's unavoidable.  So let yourself off the hook.  And warn your husband early on. :)

4)  Find friends who will kid swap with you occasionally for a couple of hours a week, so you can be free to run errands or do whatever you have wanted to do for a long time but can't with kids.

5)  Baking is good bonding time, especially with daughters. :)