What my Kids have Taught Me

As a teacher by trade, I am a firm believer that we learn as much from our students as we hope they are learning from us. Over the past two years, I have come to realize the same holds true for our children. You suddenly become a mother the moment that first child is born, but no instruction manual comes with them. Instead, it is your child who teaches you what it means to take on the title of "Mommy." Who then is the student? Is it your child, to whom you teach to say "Please" and "Thank You" and how to share? Or, is it the parent who learns patience, perseverance, dedication, and how to love beyond measure? Clearly the answer is both. So in honor of my greatest teachers, my darling boys, here are just a few of the lessons I have learned:

• Sleep is precious and neccessary, but the wee hours of the morning have a unique way of creating lasting memories. There's just something special about a 3:00 am cuddle.



• If you're not going to be leaving the house all day, it doesn't matter what your hair looks like. Unexpected guests run the risk of seeing you with bed head and bare face if they show up unannounced. No, the Schwans man does not count as an "expected guest."



• "Family dinner" can be as simple as a box of Macaroni & Cheese with cut up hot dogs. What's important is that we enjoy our time together!



• Follow through! Honor your promises and follow through with your discipline. It's important that your child knows he can trust you and also that you mean what you say!



• PIXAR is the best thing to ever happen to Disney. Ever.



• I never understood why anyone would name a flower "Baby's Breath." Once I had a baby sleeping on my shoulder with his face turned toward mine and I breathed him in....I got it.



• Grandparents will disregard every single rule you have put in place. Unfortunately, they have earned the right to do this and your kid knows it!! The good news? You'll get to do it to them when they have kids. And the cycle continues....



• Blowout bowel movements, massive farts, and loud belches can be some of the most welcome things in the world. Never thought that would happen!


• To your child, you're a superhero. Until they discover Buzz Lightyear. Then you're hosed.

What lessons have your kids taught you??