The ABC's of Mama Survival: A-E

We all need a few tricks up our sleeve to get through the early years of parenting. It's definitely an exciting and amazing experience but we all know it gets tough sometimes. Really tough. So, having a few things in mind that can make our days a little better, is comforting. This series is straight from my real life.
Ask for help, apps, accept, activities.

Whether it's your husband, mother, mother-in-law or a friend, ask for help. They want to help. It really does take a village.

Phone apps are really helpful in the early days of baby care. I used an app that tracked breastfeeding (how much time spent on which side and how much time in between feedings) and diaper changes (what type of diaper, time between changes and how many each day). It helped me keep my sanity so I didn't have to rely on my exhausted brain to remember these important details.

Kids change your life. The stages they go through change life, too. It's better to accept the season of life you are in rather than try to fight it which only results in frustration and stress. I've had to accept that my house will not be organized and clutter free any time in the near future. I've had to accept that the many projects I want to do cannot be done right now. By accepting these things, I can sink into this season of life and be more present. I don't need to concern myself with the guilt of a messy house or undone projects. It's just life right now.

Google and search Pinterest for kid activities. There are loads of ideas out there. Pin the ones you want to do and do them with your tot. Activities help kids learn and develop fine and gross motor skills. Having some ideas on hand will ward off boredom and the related whining. Activities are also really fun for us as moms because we get to see their personality and reactions. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon or to do during a play date, as well. Check out this one and this one. Ooo and follow this Pinterest board for a jackpot of ideas.

Breathing, breastfeed, baby-led weaning, busy hands.

It was important in labor and it is important now. Breathing will get you through frustration, miscommunication, screaming babies and temper tantrums. It allows your body and emotions to calm down and your mind to clear. It's also something important to teach your tot. I taught my oldest at 18 months to breathe. It helps him calm down during a melt down. I've caught him doing it on his own if he's upset or got an owie..

Breastfeed if you can. It's free and there is zero preparation. No mixing and warming bottles at 2am. It also helps you shed the baby weight faster! Aside from the health benefits, it's just plain perfect. Oh and the bonding, it's so sweet.

I used the baby-led weaning method of introducing food to my two tots. I did a ton of research before using this method. The idea is to skip over pureed baby food and go straight for real food. It helps them explore and learn about the taste and texture of real food. I read this book and it was an awesome and informative resource. It cut down on my food related stress. They eat what we eat. No need to spend money on jars of baby food or prepare a separate meal. It makes meal times fun and baby is included at the family table. In my opinion, it makes them more adventurous eaters, too!

I survive diaper changes and grocery store trips thanks to busy hands. On the way to the changing table I grab something for my 10 month old to play with so I can easily change his diaper. A wooden spoon, a small cup or the baby remote control helps distract him. I keep snacks in my purse so that when my toddler gets restless at the store, I can hand him a baggie of dried fruit, cereal or apple slices and he settles down. It's like magic.

Co-sleeping, create, cook, calm.

I know co-sleeping is totally controversial but for us it was perfect. I didn't do this with my first child and I was exhausted beyond measure for the first 3 months of his life. It was miserable. With my second child, it just felt natural. We nursed and slept and nursed and slept through the night with minimal disruption to our sleep. I felt rested and energetic. We only did this for the first three months of his life (the time when newborns nurse 'round the clock). After that he moved to his crib with no issues and woke only twice a night to eat.

Being creative in any fashion from cooking and clothes to organizational storage and blogging is priceless for a mother's soul. For me, it's this comforting, energizing, refreshing and fun way to keep my individual identity alive. I need to create. I need an outlet to allow me to express myself. It's a mood booster and a soul soother.

Cook your meals at home. Avoiding the drive-thru has helped keep our family eating healthy foods. I look at cooking as a bit of 'me time' because my husband plays with the kids while I prepare the meal. When the kids are older I plan to include them in the preparation. It's fun and it gets the kids in the habit of trying new things and eating healthy, always a plus.

Finding ways to stay calm helps in countless ways. When you find that method or thought process that helps keep your blood from boiling over and your voice at a socially acceptable volume, hold on to it. It will get you through temper tantrums in the mall, potty training and the lovely 'no' stage that comes with toddlerhood. It might be doing a daily yoga practice before the kids get up in the morning. It might be a mantra or a breathing exercise or unwinding at the end of the day. It could even be the mommy time out.

Dance, dress up, drive, date.

When I brought my first baby home from the hospital, we slow danced to get him to sleep. During his early days we would dance to pass the time and get him to smile. Now, at 2.5 years old, we dance to burn energy and get wild and crazy with giggles. We dance in our chairs at meals. When I'm in a funk, I turn the music up and dance 'till my heart pounds in my ears. It's the magic medicine for the grumps, the funks and the don't wanna go to sleeps.

DO NOT let yourself get stuck in the rut of wearing your yoga pants and tanks every. single. day. Mix it up at least 2-3 times a week. Put on some real pants and shoes with straps or laces, put on makeup and do up that hair. It works wonders on your level of energy, productivity and mood. How do you do this with a toddler and a baby tearing up the house? Get up before they do. Set the alarm for 6:15, get up and dress up. Maybe even put on some lip stick. I know....whoa let's not get ahead of ourselves here.

Going for a drive changes our environment and gives us something else to focus on. The sound of tires on the pavement, the wind coming through the windows and the sun. Something about it helps kids calm down, go to sleep even, but I find it refreshes my mood. I try and get us out of the house daily to avoid cabin fever. It works!

For goodness sake, call up Grandma and ask her to watch the kids this Saturday night while you and your husband go to eat at an establishment that does not have slides or dollar menus. Consider going to a movie as well. Set a date night at least once every 6 weeks. Make it a priority. For me, it gives me a chance to be amongst adults and I get to miss the kids. I come home eager to be home.

Exercise, explore, eat healthy foods, enjoy.

I don't need to say much more than that: exercise. You know the benefits. I find that even a 20 minute work out (either at nap time or after the kids are in bed) makes a difference in how I feel both mentally and physically.

Get out of your comfort zone and explore everything with your kiddos. Try exploring new activities, materials (like dry oatmeal or dried beans), books, music and sound, foods, places, people and groups, classes (like gymnastics or music) and your city. It really helps break up the day/week. You never know who you will meet or what places you'll fall in love with.

Let your kids see you eat healthy foods. It does a world of good for you and your body, of course, but it goes a long way in getting the kids in the habit of eating healthy. Introducing them early on to a mostly plant based diet will help reduce food battles in the future.

It's easy to enjoy the laughs and smiles of raising kids. It's important to remember, though, to enjoy everything, even the tough moments. When things aren't going my way, I have to remind myself that it's okay. They are only little for a short, fleeting time. It goes by too fast. I will miss these times, happy or otherwise.

So, there you have it. The A-E installment of Mama Survival. Do you have anything to add?

Thank you for joining me and be sure to check out the other contributors the ABC's of....series!

MAMA TIPS & TRICKS - The ABCs of ...

Being a Hands on Mom / Jamie at Hands On: As We Grow

Connecting with Your Kids / Ness at One Perfect Day

Fun Healthy Snacks for Kids / Akane at Juggling with Kids

Kids’ Party Ideas / Jane at Mama Pea Pod

Mama Survival / Mel at The Dizzy Mom

Mom-Tot Yoga / Jenni at Jenni Fischer

Printables / Melissa at Mama Miss

Raising a Healthy Kid / Beth at Living Life Intentionally

Raising a Thinking Child / Chrissy at The Outlaw Mom

Raising a World Citizen / Leanna at All Done Monkey

Raising Boys /  Stephanie at Boy Mama Teacher Mama

Raising Eco-Friendly Kids / Jennifer at Kitchen Counter Chronicles

Raising Girls / Vicky at Mess For Less

Raising Toddlers / Kendall at Home Learning Journey

Simply Celebrating Holidays as a Family / Mari at Inspired by Family Magazine

Teaching Kids about Money / Marnie at Carrots Are Orange

The Family Dinner Table / Gina at Connecting Family and Seoul

The Organized Home / Tina at Mamas Like Me

Trying A New Experience with Your Children / Danielle at 52 Brand New

Values for Children (Character development) / Janine at True Aim Education

Check out the rest of the categories here.