Kentucky Woman Gives Five Pro-Tips For New Moms This Mother’s Day

OK, starting right out of the gate with my first Pro-Tip as my disclaimer. All of us "mom" differently.  Yes, I am using that as a verb. That's why when you've asked for stroller recommendations or cloth diaper advice, you've been hit with a waterfall of opinions. Trust me when I say I know the terrors of online mom groups!  So, keep in mind that is what these "pro-tips" are.  I have been in the mom game for 8 years now with my little broke bestie, so take my advice for what it's worth! Take every unsolicited opinion with a grain of salt. Only you know what is best for your baby, because no one knows them like you do.

Purchase a Babywearing Contraption

If I could go back in time and only choose ONE baby accessory, gadget, etc, it would be a baby carrier. So much more convenient than a stroller or bucket seat a lot of the time and definitely more fun. Rollins has always had serious FOMO (fear of missing out.) So, I would just toss him up on my back and do whatever! Now, they range from cheap and easy, to expensive with a learning curve, but totally worth it. There is even a local Facebook group called Babywearers of Western Kentucky that has a lending library to try different carriers and see what you like.

Play Dumb

I try very hard not to be a helicopter parent.  This means things often take longer or a mess is made, but Rollins learns more from doing things himself and possibly failing, than he does from me helping him at every step. Which means SOMETIMES when he asks me certain things, I play dumb.

Rollins: "MOM where are my shoes?"

Me knowing full well they are under the dining room table where he kicked them off while drawing: "I don't know, Bub, wherever you left them!" Gotta put them back where they go or spend the time looking for them.

GO OUTSIDE

There is a new saying "go touch grass." Often to mean someone has spent too much time on the internet, but also to express the need to connect with reality in nature. I swear, any time Rollins was "unreasonably" upset or had worked himself into a tizzy, I would take him outside. Even if it was raining, we would sit on the porch or I'd let him stomp in puddles. Something about the change of scenery would reset his attitude, and he'd be back to his "normal" self. It works for me too! I know you've all felt the shift in mood as we change from winter to spring.

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Make time for your girlfriends

Because you are so focused on routine for your baby, it is easy to get into the habit of staying in all the time.  Don't get me wrong, a routine of some sort was necessary for survival for us for a long time at first! So, that's why my closest friends and I are in a book club together. Book Club time is sacred!  We love to read, but let's be honest, our monthly scheduled meetings (to MAKE SURE we make time) always divert to other juicier topics more often than book discussion. It's good to have a supportive place to talk about difficult things, and it's equally as important to talk about the great things.  Your best gals should be your loudest cheerleaders, but they should also keep it real to help you be your best self.

We're all just out here figuring out the best way to raise good humans. Ladies, Happy Mother's Day. I know you deserve all the best, or at the very least: breakfast in bed, complete silence, and time to watch your favorite show uninterrupted. Dad's! Make it happen!