Before and After

Come this October I will have worked with kids for fifteen years! Yes, I have never had a job not working with kids..ever! With all that experience under my belt I can honestly say that I am still caught off guard many times now that I am a mom. Before I had Abby I worked at (and now still do) a preschool. Before that I was a nanny and before that I worked at a daycare center. I am so greatful that I had all these jobs because I really do feel like they gave me a small glimpse into the world of parenting, especially of things not to do! I will say though that I now find myself laughing at the things I said I would never do as a parent, and some of the things I have actually stuck to. Before Abby: - I will never let my kids sleep in bed with me After Abby: - I do try to limit this, but I actually like when she sleeps with me! She doesnt snore, and during these crazy Texas storms I really feel better with her right next to me. Before Abby: -I will never spank my kids After Abby: -Still a pretty firm believer in this one, however, I have had to spank her three times. Yes, I can count on one hand how many times, and I am ok with that. Every time I have had to has been because she did something that was very unsafe and I really wanted her to know I was serious ( like sneaking out the back door and trying to open the lid to the hot tub) Before Abby: -I will never give my kids fast food After Abby: - This could go either way. I dont think pizza is "fast food", but we could probably cut back on it a bit. I am happy to say that she has never had Mcdonalds, Wendys, or anything of that sort and I hope that she doesnt for a really long time! Before Abby: -I will never let me kids watch TV After Abby: - HA!!! Well, I will say we went almost the whole first year of her life with no TV to watch, so that was not an issue, and even after we got it, she was never really into it until she was almost two. There are days now that I know she watches it way to much, but its not hurting her and I am not using it as a babysitter because I am sitting on the couch right next to her. Before Abby: -I will never let my kids use a public bathroom After Abby: -Ok, if you have known me longer than thirty seconds, you are well aware of my feelings and phobias of public restrooms. I seriously plan my water intake by my outings for the day. So, the thought of having to take a child in there, a child who likes to touch and explore everything just sends chills down my spine. I am ready to whip out the lysol right now just thinking about it. Obviously I have to take her to the restroom when we are out, and obviously I cringe the whole time, but I do let her use public bathrooms and so far have lived through it. Before Abby: - I used to to say I will never(fill in the blank) and I used to judge parents for doing things I believed to be "bad" for children After Abby: -I now see that being a mom is a game of survival and you have to do whats best for you and your child. God gave us our children for a reason, because you are the best mommy for that child and no one else could love your child they way you do. Even on the days where we are sitting on the couch eating pizza and watching the umpteenth episode of george, I know that I am doing a pretty good job at this whole parenting thing.