How to Be a Good Mom

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By JMKIT
eHow Community Member

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(6 Ratings)

I've heard motherhood is not for the faint of heart. Motherhood is long and enduring, but it also brings you the greatest joys of your life. Have good relationships with your child(ren) as they grow and develop. Be there no matter what and be gentle. And remember, the mother sets the tone of the house, so if mama is happy and feeling good, usually the rest of the family will feel that way too. If mom is always yelling and screaming, chances are everyone else in the house will be yelling and screaming too.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Always let your kids know you love them through your words and your actions. Give hugs, make their favorite food, surprise them, and tell your child you love them every day. Do things that let them know you KNOW them. Talk to them about their good qualities and traits.
Step 2

Make them a priority so they know they are always at the top of your list. If you are on the computer and they need something, stop what you are doing, turn and look at them while they are talking to you.
Step 3

Laugh with your child(ren) every day.
Step 4

Treat your kids with dignity, even if they aren't acting dignified. Treat them with dignity because YOU are dignified. This will teach them a valuable lesson. This means trying not to lose control of yourself when you are upset with your children. It's not easy all the time, so when you need to, before you blow up, just take a step back from the situation, take a deep breath and count to ten. If you need to discipline and you are too angry, let them know that there will be a consequence for their action, but take some time out to think about it rationally before you screaming at them and grounding them "forever".
Step 5

Take a "Time Out". Whether you are upset, overwhelmed, stressed or running low off fumes from taking care of everyone, it is important to take a time out. Make sure you have time just to yourself away from your child(ren) at least once a week doing something for yourself. This way you can recharge and take care of yourself, so you can come back a better mommy.
Step 6

Listen to your child(ren). Listen to what they are saying, not how they are saying it. Talk to them like you would an adult and respect their ideas and intelligence. Children need to feel validated too.
Step 7

Respect. Respect is a two-way street. If you want your children to respect you, then respect them. Don't think you can be a bossy, raging, nagging mom whose always yelling and screaming and get respect from your children. It doesn't work. Of course, if your a mom, there will always be some yelling, but don't let yelling and screaming become the only way you communicate with your child(ren). The golden rule applies to moms and their kids too....treat others the way you want to be treated.
Step 8

Mom Dates. Make sure you and your child have some alone bonding time together, especially if you have multiple children. It could just be taking one of the kids to the grocery store with you so you can visit, or it could be something else they might enjoy.
Step 9

Let go of the perfect house. There's a saying that goes something like, if you walk into a house that looks like it could be in a showroom or magazine, you get the idea that things are more important than people. However, if you walk into a home that is a complete mess and udder disaster where you can barely see the floor, then you get the idea that no one cares. Find a happy medium. Create an environment where you kids can play safely without worrying about getting in trouble from touching fancy decorations. Babies don't stay little, there will always be time to dust later. Enjoy your kids and when they go off to college, you can have that perfect looking home and be on top of all the chores.
Step 10

Accept your child. No matter what ideas or trends they embrace as they become a teenager and young adult. Remind them that you love them and still know who they are on the inside. Even if they look silly, let the have some freedom to express themselves and show them you still see them the same as you always have. The bigger a deal you make about their wardrobe choices, the more they will cling to that style and rebel against you. As long as their interests/lifestyle is not hurting them or anyone else, make it a non-issue and they will grow out of it.