One of the most valuable lessons I’ve ever learned after becoming a parent has been to trust myself.
You can really drive yourself insane by searching on Google for every little thing you come across as a parent.
After my son turned one I gave up panicking about the slightest things. It was like a gift to myself: No more acting like psycho Tima.
Of course, I couldn’t do it without a pep talk from his godmother and my long-time friend, Meli. She’s always been known to slap some sense into me.
Learning The Ropes
I know it only seems easier than it really is, but there are times I just don’t know how in the world I manage to raise these boys.
I joke around with Jeff saying that whenever I have to go out with our boys, I feel like a single mother. And it can really feel that way.
For a long time — practically most of the first year we spent here in South Florida — I feared going food shopping with my son. I would stack up on everything so I wouldn’t have to do it again for a while.
Genius move, right? Not really.
Shopping was the easy part. Unpacking our car was the toughest. It would take me a good 10 minutes to unload the car when I had Sebastian. I was constantly trying to figure out the best way to unload the car and still nurse him back to sleep when we’d come in from the store.
It was like a nightmare! He’d cry, I’d get frustrated. Forget it! I’d bring the food inside the entrance of our home and deal with putting it all away after I cared for the little one.
But then I tried something even more brilliant. We added a second child to the mix. This time, I knew trusting myself was what I really needed to do.
‘Playing Favorites’
With my first-born, I had to do a lot of soul-searching and figuring out not only about myself but the best way to care for my son. Jeff helped a lot during this crazy time in my life.
I think I cried more than both kids combined.
The first time I left our home with both kids, I was a lot stronger. Of course I questioned if I could even do it, but when I saw the Mama & Papa, I knew I was set.
When we arrived to the store, I strapped our newborn to my chest in the Mama & Papa like Rambo headed to fight.
I was ready for whatever was to come.
And our toddler was ready right there with me. We walked side by side, hand in hand. We were going to conquer this trip.
But then the crying started. You know, the newborn “I’m hungry” cry.
We picked up the essentials from Costco and headed to the food court — it’s been a tradition for Sebastian and I. Popped a boob out, and fed the little guy while the toddler and I shared a pizza and sweet tea.
Now, this was the “new” me. The old me would’ve rushed out of Costco and into the car and fed my hungry baby. I would’ve forgotten about my own needs, and catered to his.
But there was no need to jump into action if we were already going to eat as a family. Plus, I need to set a good example for the boys in showing them how important it is to manage their time.
This time around, I’ve learned to trust myself in making the right decision for my family. Although getting out of the house might seem like challenge with two little ones, it’s a blessing to see their happy faces.
Learn more about our random trips over on Instagram: bit.ly/MTMEinstagram
35 responses to “Trusting Yourself”
I remember being SO nervous going out for the first time with 2 kids. My oldest had just turned three and I was really worried, but it was all good.
It's not easy leaving the house with two, but it's funny how I do it more often than not these days.
I don't have children, but I really love this post. Anytime bloggers open up and talk about genuine fears, questions, etc. — I pay close attention! I give all you moms out there so much credit!!
Thanks, Kait. It's not always, but getting out of the house is essential.
I remember going through all these emotions with my 3 boys first when they were first born and then when I transitioned from working mom to SAHM and had to take all 3 places in the summer. I agree Mommy knows her kids the best and it's just working your way through it that both you and your child need to get there.
Thanks, Tanya. It's a tough transition, but we just have to remember to keep our head afloat.
Exatcly parenting is done through trial and error and there is no right way of doing it. Once you trust your abilities it all gets easier from there x
Yeah. It definitely takes a lot of trial and error to figure out what works best for you and your family.
I agree with you but even more so with trusting yourself in general. The older I get, the more I realize I know whats best for me and my family and I shouldn't freak out over how everyone else does things!
I agree. No need to focus on what someone else doesn't approve of.
My first baby is due in May so this was a great read. Thank you for sharing!
Aw, that's awesome! Congrats. I wish you a great third trimester and a healthy delivery!
Oh I can so relate! All those memories are coming back to me now!
It's not easy, but definitely well worth it.
I think the most important thing you can learn about being a mom is to trust your gut! Great post!
Oh yeah. A mother's intuition is usually right.
Love this. Beginning to trust myself was life changing. Then you wonder why you didn't before.
Yes! That's exactly what I go through every single day. I always wonder why I didn't trust myself a little more back then.
What a fab post. It's so good to trust and believe in yourself, in all things, not just parenting! Loved this 🙂
Thanks, Megan. I agree. It's important to trust yourself in everything that you do.