What I Needed to Know When My Son Was One

I love getting young mommy advice from veteran moms. This fabulous guest post from my friend Jessica is just what I’ve needed to hear. I know you will enjoy it as well!

I love watching young moms with their first children, especially those with boys. It seems like it was only yesterday. But, “my baby” turns thirteen in a week. I still imagine myself as that young, svelte twenty-five year old with good skin — until I look in the mirror.

Five kids and a few white hairs later, I have sweet memories of being a younger mom caring for my firstborn.

As always, hindsight is 20/20, and I have realized a wealth of things that I would do differently “if I only knew then what I know now.” I’m not sure I would have listened back then, I was intent on making my own mistakes. And only now do I remember well-given advice from others and wonder why I didn’t listen.

But, this is my letter to myself so many years ago….

Dear FishMama,

One day you will look back on these days of endless diapers and messes and laugh. Yes, the little old ladies in the grocery store are right: the days pass too quickly. You don’t want to hear what to do, but guard it in your heart nonetheless and think on it.

1. Take a nap everyday. You will be thankful for the rest, and so will the rest of your family. Go to bed twenty minutes earlier than you think you should. You overestimate your ability to do and be all things.

2. Read stories with your little guy and don’t worry if he just wants you to “read pictures” instead of words. Yes, you help language development by reading, but be patient and don’t worry about finishing the book. Enjoy the ride.

3. Don’t worry about the best and brightest in regards to stuff. Used clothing, toys, and kid gear work just fine. Children don’t know the difference. Those things are just going to get stained or worn out anyway. Save your money and worry less.

4. Be willing to go against the grain. It’s all too easy to do what others do, even if it’s not your style. Honor God and do what works for your family and your personality.

5. Enjoy today. There will come a time when your family planning doesn’t go according to plan. Trust that God will build it the way He wants. Enjoy the simplicity of your family today. Seize the day.

Love,
FishMama

— Jessica Fisher, aka FishMama, is a happy wife and the mother of six young children under thirteen. When she’s not washing mountains of laundry, she writes about ways to find joy in motherhood at LifeasMOM and posts delicious ways to act your wage at Good Cheap Eats.