Try to look in your kids eyes, and hug them as often as you can.

Dear Parent,

As a home-educating mama to six kids I know first hand how challenging parenting can be.

It can be even harder if you don't feel supported, feel alone, or/and if you don't feel like you are doing a very good job.

A few things I've learned over the years that I've found that can make all the difference in the world include:

 - Self care. You cannot take care of anyone else if you're depleted.

 - Ignore the people who guild trip you with cliché's to "enjoy these years while they last". Not every moment of parenting littles is enjoyable. 
Some moments are exhausting, terrifying, or just plain really crappy. 
Instead of feeling like you are failing because you don't enjoy those moments, look for enjoyable moments through the day you are able to enjoy, and try to breathe them in whenever you can, but don't feel guilty if you didn't feel like you didn't have a chance to.

 - Try to look in your kids eyes, and hug them as often as you can. That's where the love is that gives you fuel to keep going and make tomorrow a little better that today!

Sincerly,
Shayla
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My top 4 parenting hacks / advice

Hack 1
If you have little kids start dinner 2 hours early to account for a gazillion interruptions!

Hack 2
If you are planning a project that normally takes 10 minutes, plan 2 hours for it to account for more interruptions, :-D

Hack 3
Never plan to do anything in a hurry and you should be fine.

Hack 4
With the exception of Cupkin's, always buy the extended warranty on stuff because you're probably going to need it.

7 questions about my journey

When did you become a parent?

2004

How was the 1st night home with your first child?

Terrifying. We were afraid he'd break or something.

What is the hardest thing about being a parent?

Definitely the worries, all of the "are we doing a good job, is our child going to be okay/safe/well balanced...." the list goes on.

What is a super power you wish you had?

Personally, I wish I could duplicate myself.

Where is your favorite family vacation spot?

The beach!

What is your favorite thing to do with your kiddo(s)?

Hang out together-bonus points if it's at the water!

How do you keep yourself sane with the stress of parenthood?

Self care is the bomb. Even if it's just a five minute break outside taking some deep breaths, or doing my skincare routine, taking my water and vitamins, etc...

Here are my personal favorites...

Hope you like them too!