Being a mom is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding experiences in life. From the moment you hold your little one in your arms, you embark on a journey filled with love, joy, and countless precious moments. Yet, let's not sugarcoat it; parenting also comes with its fair share of challenges. Whether you're a first-time mom or a seasoned parent, navigating the highs and lows of parenthood can sometimes feel like a daunting task. That's where advice from fellow moms can be invaluable.
Freshly Picked, a company known for its adorable baby moccasins and accessories, not only understands the needs of parents but also boasts a workforce filled with moms who understand the intricacies of balancing work and family life. I had the privilege of speaking with some of these incredible moms who graciously shared their best pieces of advice for fellow parents. Here's what they had to say:
"They really do grow up so fast. You have 18 summers before they leave. Go on those fun trips and make all of those memories. And be sure to get lots of videos!"
"This is kind of contrary to this but some of my favorite advice was to not always take/follow everyone else's advice/opinions. Sometimes you just need to trust your own gut/ mom heart and do what you think is best because you know your baby/kids better than anyone else."
"Don’t forget about YOU! It’s ok to take time for yourself and do something just for you. After becoming a mom, we sometimes lose our identity in giving our whole selves to our families. Being a mother is an honor and a blessing, something we all cherish, but that does not mean that it is the only thing you are. Taking care of YOU too allows you to be the best version of yourself."
"One of my favorite pieces of advice was not to have too high of expectations for your littles. Meet them where they are and allow them to act their age. It’s easy to forget how little they are and to expect too much of them"
"Not every kid is the same so give them grace and yourself cause you’re always learning and so are they"
" I have to share some advice from my mom:
Schedules can be broken! You don't always need to be on home arrest. You can have your baby nap in the car and they don't need to be in bed at the exact same time every night.
Make sure your baby is safe & step out for a minute! You will have hard days or moments so when they come, lay your baby in a safe spot and step into another room for a minute. Do whatever you need to be able to return back to your baby calm and not frustrated (I've had to do this a couple times its so helpful especially if you feel overwhelmed or getting angry).
Some advice I've given myself along the way:
Don't focus on the "next phase" because their current phase will go by fast.
If your baby is going through a sleep regression or isn't eating well etc. just remember this time won't last forever."
Kelsie
In essence, the advice from these incredible moms at Freshly Picked boils down to prioritizing self-care, embracing imperfection, seeking support, staying flexible, and cherishing the moments. Parenthood is a beautiful journey filled with ups and downs, and having a supportive community of fellow moms can make all the difference. So, to all the moms out there, remember that you're doing an amazing job, and you're not alone on this journey. Take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and savor every moment of the incredible adventure that is parenthood.