12 Ways to Be a Happier Mom
I think he has like 10 different smiles – this cheese is my favorite 🙂
Love these sneaks for B they are so easy to get on cause they zip on the side – They are 40% off right now – CODE: RUSH 🙂
DETAILS: CREAM KNIT SWEATER (ON SALE! 40% OFF CODE: RUSH) | GREY QUILTED VEST (ON SALE! 40% OFF CODE: RUSH) | FAUX LEATHER CROPPED LEGGINGS (UNDER A $100) | GREY SNEAKERS | GREY FUR CROSSBODY | AVIATORS | GREY WATCH
BECKAM: GREY FLEECE BUTTON DOWN (ON SALE! 40% OFF CODE: RUSH) | WHITE KNIT THERMAL | BLACK LEGGINGS | GREY HIGH-TOP SNEAKERS | BEANIE
Growing up being a mom was something I looked forward to more than anything else. I couldn’t wait for the day to have kids of my own. There are days I feel on cloud nine where everything seems like rainbows and butterflies and parenting couldn’t be easier, then there are days and weeks where I wonder if I am being a good enough mom. I had one of those rough days last week where I was completely drained. I had a couple crazy days at work, my house was a mess, I had barely slept, B was whining over everything and I just broke down. I called Cody and was like I need you to take the kids – I need a couple hours to myself.
I use to set aside time every week to have a little me time and the last couple weeks just got so chaotic I didn’t do it and honestly it affected me as a parent. I don’t claim to know it all, trust me half the time I have no idea what I’m doing, but I’ve realized when I stick to these basic habits my life as a mom runs so much smoother!
- GET ENOUGH SLEEP – Seriously I can’t stress this enough, get those zzz’s! When I don’t get a full night sleep my fuse is so short. You remember that breakdown I was telling you about, well that night I went to bed at 7:30pm and woke up at 8 am the next day. It was literally heaven! I don’t think I have slept that long in years, but I felt so good the next day! Obviously that kind of sleep can’t happen all the time – but a full 7-8 hours leaves you refreshed.
- HAVE YOU TIME – You need time to yourself! My favorite is getting massages. I also love going shopping (an obvious one 🙂 but when I go by myself I actually get to try on the clothes and I’m not racing through the aisles trying to get it done as quick as I can. And I know this sounds cheesy, but after a couple hours I always miss B and it makes me more excited to get home and play with him.
- DONT COMPARE YOURSELF – If your feeling down or stressed about your parenting, don’t go on social media and compare yourself to other moms or families that seem to have it all together. Remember social media is such a small glimpse of people’s lives! Instead look through pictures of happy moments with your own family.
- LEARN TO LAUGH – Chaos comes with kids – and the more you embrace and learn to laugh at the imperfections the more relaxed you will be.
- GET READY FOR THE DAY – Don’t get me wrong I lovvvvve sweats, but I always notice a difference in my demeanor when I get ready for the day. You don’t have to be in 5 inch heels and full on make up. Take a shower, or do your hair, something that puts a little effort into getting ready for the day.
- WAKE UP EARLY – I love waking up early! I am typically up around 6-6:30 every morning. The mornings are my time to get stuff done before the kiddos wake up and also enjoy a little quiet time.
- BE GRATEFUL – Every night (well we try to do it every night but sometimes we forget) Cody and I say what our favorite part of the day was. I think it’s so important to think about the things you are grateful for. When you focus on the positive it brings more positive things to your life.
- GET OUT OF THE HOUSE – This has really been a more a recent thing – but Beckam needs to get out of the house in the morning or else he goes stir crazy! This one might not be for everyone (all kids are different)- but I have noticed a huge difference in B when we get out early and he can go run some of his energy off.
- ENCOURAGE OTHER MOMS – Being a mom is definitely hard. Encourage other moms and friends you have that may be going through a hard week and let them know what you admire about their parenting, offer to take their kids for a couple hours, or just let them know they are doing a good job. It’s always nice to have the reassurance from your friends and family when you are having those tough days.
- LET IT GO – Whether it’s picking up the house, or finishing those emails for work, sometimes you just need to let it go. There are days everything doesn’t get done and it’s ok. (if it has to get done you can always wake up early and do it in the morning 🙂
- HAVE DATE NIGHT – I think this was one of the pieces of advice I heard over and over again before we got married, but it wasn’t until we had Beckam I really understood why. You need alone time with your spouse! Growing the bond between you guys makes you both better parents.
- LISTEN TO THEM LAUGH – Nothing in the world makes me happier then listening to the kids laugh. Make it your goal everyday to get at least one deep uncontrollable laugh out of them. There really is no greater joy!
Sending all you mama’s out there lots of love! Remember you are always doing better then you think, your kids love you! XX – Christine
I love this list – I especially relate to getting dressed and getting out of the house! Those two things make a huge difference for me when I’m feeling frustrated or down. Also, when I feel overwhelmed with cleaning or not loving my home, I light a bunch of candles. Something about the clean smell and soft glow makes everything seem a little better!
These are great tips, Christine! Both my kids are now adults and I think you’ve done a great job of capturing how to stay sane in all the good, crazy madness of parenting. It’s okay to have days when it feels hard and actually say it out loud. When I was parenting, the women around me didn’t feel that freedom, so we didn’t support one another well on the “off” days…which would have helped immensely. You go, girl! You’re doing great!
Chris
http://www.shesallthatsister.com
Great tips!
Liz @ ShoppingMyCloset.com
Great tips! 😛
Shall We Sasa
Awwww thank you for sharing this post! I love how happy B looks here and you look great
Anna // Happy Medley
Oh my… You have totally pointed out ALL of the most important things. Something that I find super important and crucial to be the best version of yourself as a mom and as a wife are 2,3,8, 10 and 11, but pretty much all of these 12 are equally important and even if one is not “working” it will affect the other ones too.
http://lartoffashion.com
Although I am not a mother I can imagine that having some free time to yourself is vital. Everyone needs some alone time every now and again, whether you’re a mummy or not. A great set of tips that is sure to help lots of parents out there 🙂 X
http://www.thefashion-junkie.blogspot.co.uk
Love all your pictures, yes it is hard being a mom. Every family and kids are different so we just have to be flexible and do what is best for the whole family. Thank you all for sharing, I love waking up early to and gets things done and do my blog on the side while the kids are sleep. Have a wonderful day.
Xo, Christianne
http://simplychristianne.com
Oh, that is soooooo sweet. And really good advice. And I am going to take some of it away with me and try it out. Thanks.
Your son is the absolute cutest! The two of you are always dressed perfectly!
http://thenaturalizednewyorker.com
this is a wonderful list!!! i love your mom + fashion posts because i blog about similar things!
xo,
Sandy
Sandy a la Mode
This was amazing! As a new step mother with a full time job and blog, I tend to frequently get burned out. I love that every tip is free and relishes in those little things we forget to appreciate.
Blingaholic88
Love your bag!
http://thegirlfromconnecticut.blogspot.com
Omg you hit the nail on the head! I agree with all of these! Getting enough sleep is really the main one. I get so annoyed and become annoying when I don’t sleep.
http://www.writingmotherfashionista.com
Haha me too! It’s funny how such a simple thing makes such a difference 🙂
So true! I recently had a date night with hubby after years of being “too busy” with kids. It was much needed and deserved. It’s the little things that matter!
http://www.mommy-diary.com
This os all so true!! Thanks for sharing this post!!
Amen to sleep! My 14 month old just started sleeping through the night, and it’s heavenly!
Paige
http://thehappyflammily.com
Great post with awesome tips! Thank you. As a stepmom to 3 girls with a full time job, I am always questioning my abilities.
I love your mix of high fashion and attainable pieces in this post. You have a fantastic eye! I really enjoy reading your posts.
Hey Karyn,
I’m a step mom too, and you feel it even more as a step mom wondering if the kids know how much you care! I’m sure your doing an amazing job – keep up the great work! XX
Tucking these tips into my future momma file! Thanks for sharing : )
Best,
Candace
http://www.liveloveandREAD.com
love those sneakers! i’m not a mom but i agree with #1 for anyone- it’s so important to get enough sleep!
http://www.giltedgeblog.com
This is a great list! It’s simple and so approachable. Thanks for sharing!
Perfectly put! I couldn’t agree more.
I am obsessed with these pants… of course they are out of my size. Would you say they run small or big? Just trying to figure our if I should buy the size up or down. Thanks!!! Doran
I am typically a 25 and I actually got a 24 cause they stretch a little – hope that helps 🙂
Being a mom of a little toddler myself, I totally agree with all your suggestions 😉
And how cute you two look on these photos! Super adorable and love-love-love your Falabella bag!
xx Kristjaana
http://www.kristjaana.com
You are definitely a fashionable mom!! Love the look!!
pinkandnavystripes.com
This is great!!! It can be so chaotic trying to keep up with everything (and everyone) I think this list perfectly sums up the best parts about parenting!
xo,
Sara Kate Styling
thanks for sharing
killthemwithchic.com
Love this post! As a mom of four, I totally agree with all these points especially the one about getting enough sleep and carving out time for yourself and also with your husband. I always find I’m a better mom when I create a balance in my life. And you’re so right…what’s better than a good laugh?
Taffeta & Tulips
This post was so helpful! Thanks for the inspiration and encouragement you offered for other moms. The best part is knowing how simple these things are, if we try to make a conscious effort to fit them into our day. Good work, pretty mama!! 😉
This post is so sweet!! Adorable pictures! xo
http://publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2015/11/butternut-squash-curry-soup-recipe.html
Amen! I am totally having one of these weeks; life with a 3.5 year old is draining! I try to remember that this is a fleeting time and to enjoy it, despite feeling at my wits end some days. These are all great tips! I try to get a massage to ease my anxiety when it comes up.
Love your blog, and those Adidas are amazing!
Xx,
Cynthia
http://www.thesirenconfidential.com
http://mcm.tmearegion26.com
You look so stunning in this piece
Love the style.
http://mcm.tmearegion26.com
It’s refreshing to hear you say that you have bad days with the kids as well. All we see are pictures of you smiling with the little ones(and obviously so), so you can’t help but think–she must always be in a good mood! Thanks for keeping it real!
These are great tips. Just found your blog and I also have a Beckham (4). I’ve never met anyone with a kid who has that name, especially another blogger. I love it more everyday!
Aw thats so cool! I haven’t met another Beckam yet either 🙂 Sending hugs! XX
Couldn’t get 40%off vest with that code??
Try adding AQUINNAHJEWELRY made by a mom !!(not me)
Oh wow! I needed this today. Wonderful post and yes you are so right, sonetimes u just have to let it go and not stress over little things! I have two boys one is 2.5 and the other one is about to turn 1 and i completely relate to everything u just mention. You rock!!!! Love post like this very upbringing and inspiring xoxo
The Article is nice and explained well about “a mom life structure” Love the Pictures too.
will re-blog it and Socialize. Follow up @ http://www.davinadiaries.com
loved your baby. he is so cute….following your tips. amazing tips.
http://www.davinadiaries.com
As a mom I can totally relate… Sometimes I call my husband and say I’m the happiest / luckiest woman alive….and then there’s days I want to run for the hills ( alone haha)
I needed to read this tonight! Thank you for taking valuable time to write this!
Love this! I completely agree with all of that! My fiancé and I both work full time and have a 1 1/2 year old that is sassy and independent ;)-
You look just gorgeous and Beckam is so cute!! Love that name! Keep on trucking ?
Are these men’s shoes? If so, how did you figure out what size to order?
LOVE THIS! The list and the photos are amazing. Thank you!
LOVED this post! Thank you for sharing and making my day brighter as a mommy to a wild toddler boy!