Never Too Young to Learn

My back was against the wall this weekend. I faced eight loads of clean, unfolded laundry. My husband and I chatted over a few loads on Friday night (I guess you could call it date night -in) and we left 3 sorted piles for our three, five and six- year- old children to tackle the next morning. When Saturday came, it was clear and sunny. I knew that I could not spend hours sorting and folding the other 5 baskets of laundry by myself. My husband had some lame excuse about going to work. So I called the kids to come put their clothes in their dressers and then began to dread the task ahead. While handing the kids their clothes, the light bulb came on.

After they had finished with the already folded clothes, I grabbed a full basket of unfolded, unsorted clothing and dumped the whole thing onto our queen size bed. Next I told the kids to come pick out their own clothes and then fold them up and put them away. Each one made a pile of their things while helping me pull out mine and their dad's. They thought it was fun and it took all of 5 minutes to do one basket. At their ages the clothes were not folded well. But that's okay because we always iron. Together, we did the next 4 baskets in record time; including putting the clothes away. I praised those kids all day long and they beamed with pride. Since they are already familiar with sorting and loading the washer, I think I'm ready to make this a routine.

How old were you when you learned to do laundry? At what age will you teach your children this skill?

Peace and blessings,

Polly

One Happy Mother

I spent last Saturday hanging out with my fellow Mocha Moms at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference. In the past Meek and I have vended at such functions, but this time I went as an eager participant.

The weekend long event was held at the Gaylord National Hotel on National Harbor. It was my first time visiting the harbor and as you can see in the picture, it is a beautiful. What I thought was the perfect escape from my everyday work of being a mom, became every bit a celebration of the same fact. As we mothers were educated on finances, parenting, marriage, health, etc.-- it became clear that we were actually being empowered to go forth and do even more.

They were plenty events just for moms; like the complimentary spa services, workout session and mom's night out in the hotel lounge-- not to mention plenty of coupons, freebies, great food and specialty shopping. But what I liked most was how the conference emphasized our focus on family. At times motherhood can be trying, but it makes all the difference when we're reminded that we aren't in the battle alone. Validation and encouragement like that of Saturday are food for the soul. The conference events and speakers left me better able to make financial changes, martial adjustments and a stronger commitment to raising my children. I am blessed to be a mother and I pray that God continually bless you!

What encourages you as a mom? We'd love to hear from you.

Truly inspired,

Polly

Cutting Down on Mommy Guilt

This past mother's day marked one of the few times that I didn't run away from home on said momentous occasion. No. I stayed here and instead asked my husband to take the kids out with him for a spell while I relaxed. He obliged and I did not feel guilty.

Wow what a change! In years past I'd worried about the kids feeling rejected or unloved if I didn't spend the day with them. I mean after all, I am their mother. Aren't I supposed to always be here no matter what? Shouldn't I revel in the bond I've created with them and feed their need for love and comfort? Well yes, but not 100% of the time. What mother can? Besides, I've learned that children don't even require all that we think they do. But they are good at overreacting. In other words, they are great manipulators. So when we look at their puppy dog eyes combined with the tremendous pressure we put on ourselves to be the perfect mom, it's no wonder we feel guilty.

I've now discovered how to can change that guilt into happiness. If we give all of our time they will still want more so why not find the amount they can live with. When we are spending at least 30 minutes of undivided attention with our child a day and providing food, shelter, clothing and above all -- love-- then there's no reason to wallow in guilt. Our children will continue to love us and will learn to respect our time because we are ever present and mentally tuned in to their needs, as well as, our own. Too much guilt will turn life into a nightmare for all by keeping moms grouchy, tired and unfulfilled. We need to give ourselves a pass to enjoy life outside of motherhood, without regret.

Many blessings,

Polly

Planning Summer Camps

It's that time of year again. Registration for local summer camps will be opening soon and I'm on a mission! This is just my second year of planning camp for my bunch but I'm keeping in mind a few things to make sure we're on route to another smooth summer.

To get it just right, I involve the kids in the camp selection. We'll sit down and hash out where their interests lie. This step is key because I've learned from others that there's no faster way to cause failure than to stick them with somethimg they have no interest in at all. Even the youngest kids have likes and dislikes, so I give their input some value. As parents, we'll still have to consider things like schedules, money and location. But if we give the child options such as first, second and third choice we'll be on target for a great summer experience.

There looks like some exciting topics this year and I can't wait to see who chooses what. We never have enough funds to cover all 10 weeks of summer for all 3 children, but a few weeks spread out across the months will give me piece of mind while leaving plenty of flexibility for a trip to the beach!

Have you started planning your children's summer activities yet? Which programs do they enjoy?