Being a MOM

When I'm not working and creating and trying to keep the house and just life in general together, I'm simply a mom. I am mostly a laid-back mom who let's her kids be buck wild when they need to and gives hugs whenever wanted or needed. There are a few things that I am pretty crazy about, though. Here are some things that will have me going for hours. So don't ask me about them if you don't want an ear-full.

Breastfeeding -- I am a fanatic on breastfeeding. I have actually now weened all three of my little ones. That is a feat in itself.

I breastfed my eldest until she was two years old. My son was born when she was 14 months old, so I managed to tandem-breastfed the two of them. I weened her and continued on with my little boy until he was 16 months old. Then I became pregnant with my third. I nursed her until she was a little over 2 years old. I know. I'm crazy. But, none of my children drank cow's milk or formula more than a half a dozen times. That is one thing that I am proud of.

Co-Sleeping -- I co-slept with all three of my babies. I was so attached to them I didn't want to make them sleep in a cold, far away crib, alone. These babies always were near me when they were little. I am happy that I was able to attend to their needs quickly and could comfort them in a heart beat. The problem that was created, however was that I was the one who didn't want to send them into the retreat when they were old enough. I then didn't want to send them to their own room's when again, necessary. Everyone is now happily sleeping in their own rooms, in their own beds, and early.

Bedtime -- I am a fanatic about putting my kids down to sleep, EARLY. I'm talking 7 or at latest 7:30pm. I am amazed at the parents who let their kids stay up late with them. I believe that kids need to sleep A LOT for their brain development, bodies to rest and grow, and for the health of the parent. I need MY time to be me, to spend with my husband, or to rest myself.

Guns -- I HATE play guns. Really. I do. I do not allow my kids to play with fake guns, plastic guns, or the like. I don't buy the whole, "they will be boys," or "it's just plastic," arguments. Seriously. Why in the world would anyone want to play with gun or allow their kids to play with guns. Call me a left-wing freak or whatever you would like, but I place no value on little kids playing with guns trying to SHOOT someone, something, anything.

Play Cars -- I'm not even sure what their name actually is. A bunch of neighbors have them. Electric cars, maybe. I actually don't care what they are called. They are dangerous and hurt like hell when your foot gets run over by them. Plus, they just aren't safe.

Helmets -- I am a bit of a helmet nazi. I make my kids wear them at all times. Just kidding. No, really, anytime they are on a bike or scooter, they have to wear them. No excuses or they get off.

Now that I have gotten off my chest my major issues with parenting, here are some areas which I need to work on:

Meals -- I don't cook. Don't enjoy it, and actually suck at it. But my kids need to eat better (less junk).

Brushing Teeth -- Yes, my kids do brush their teeth. But not as good, for as long, or as often as they should. That's my own fault.

Being Creative -- Yep. I suck at giving my kids the opportunity they need or want to be creative. Ironic, isn't it. They are always allowed and encouraged to draw, color, write, doodle, etc. But getting out the oil pastels, acrylic paints, or finger paints, I need to do more. Maybe even tomorrow. Awe, maybe not. The housekeepers just came.

What are your major parenting issues? What do you need to work on?!