Mentor Mom Panel:: The Scoop

I'd like to begin by saying that we have quite a group of mentor moms in our midst this year at MOPS, am I right? These women give of their time and seasoned wisdom every meeting, encouraging and empathizing, relating and praying for all of us. We're so grateful they all find this experience worthwhile, because they are invaluable. 

On that note, let's recap our Mentor Mom Panel from November 17th and revisit the gems they shared. 

On marriage:

• Remember to play games + have fun--this is for the long haul, so try to enjoy each other!
• Three words: Hot Tub Time. In the morning, in the evening, doesn't matter. Relax.
• Date night. 'Nuff said.
• Commit to a small group or some other community together
• This offers accountability in your relationship, people who know you and see you as a couple.
• Sit amongst fellow folks in your phase of life and the bonus? Your kids have other "parents" invested in their lives, too.

On In-laws:

• Manage your expectations to not feel cheated out of the in-laws you wanted or, well, expected. Enjoy what you can when you can. 
• Understand that "this is her way"
• Love them the way that they are, including (or especially) their differences from your own parents.
• Share holidays so no one is pulled in different directions. Maybe host? They come to you! :)

On Rest:

• Sometimes the most restful thing to do is get out. Give the kids a treat to enjoy the silence or complete a conversation with a friend.  
• Give your kids an early bedtime. Enjoy your evening. 
• A "quiet time" for all. Every day.
• Fit it in, whatever it is. This can mean combining some things. Want to exercise and also find time to pray? Exercise while praying.   

On Favorite Traditions w/ Young Kids:

• "Trips" in your own neighborhood. Go the long way to the local hotel with a pool! Make it an adventure!
• Birthday party for Jesus on Christmas Eve (buy things cheap after Christmas for next year's party!) + St. Val party on Valentine's Day  
• Fun breakfast on Saturdays to celebrate the end of the week 

On Helping Their Kids Be Friends: 

• "I'm not going to drive you to the hospital if you fight."
• No hitting.
• Figure out who's the agitator.
• It happens later in life, so look toward the future!
• It comes + goes, ladies.
• You're not a bad parent if they're not.
• Some are so different, they're just not as close. And that's okay.
• Get them on the same "team" to do dishes, etc. Siblings unite!

On 1 Thing They've Learned w/ Young Kids:

• Admit when you've made a mistake. 
• There's such a thing as "good enough" parenting. Don't be so hard on yourself, give yourself a break, and for goodness' sake--let 'em watch TV if you need to make dinner!
• Focus more on their feelings vs. their behavior    

 Thanks again, mentor moms, for sitting with us in the trenches while also gently reminding us of the light at the end of the tunnel. We very much appreciate you.