For the past 11 months, I have been trying to work the new role of "momhood" into my life and trying out the different hats that moms wear all the time. I have learned so much about myself. And, what's stuck with me most is that I'm the type of mom that doesn't like to follow the mainstream trend of what moms are supposed to be like. I know that works great for some people, sometimes not for others, definitely not for me.
I have decided to take a step back and take a look at what activities do fulfill me as a person and therefore make me a better mom for my child. I realized I probably will not be the type of mom that will go to every soccer/ballet/piano/volleyball/swimming/etc. practice, but I will be there for every game. I am the type of mom who enjoys reading, exploring, teaching and listening to what my child has to say. I like to take naps with her. I like to see her make a mess when she drinks water and pretends she's a cherub fountain. I like to see her act tomboyish and stand her ground. Since I'm a homebody, and rather spend my time and energy traveling and meeting new people from new places (and right now she's too young to come along), I have left the extra-curricular activities such as walks, beach days, water park days and things of that nature to my sister and her nannie (who by the way do a wonderful job with her).
I'm the kind of mom that at the end of the day does not want to resent my daughter for anything. So, I decided to be honest with myself and admit that I'm just not good at somethings and have allowed others who are really good at those things to fill in that spot for me. I've learned that delegating what we don't value as much is a lot easier than I thought and at the end of the day, all the parties involved win. My daughter is not neglected at all, because I'm too embarrassed or proud to admit that I'm just not cut out to do somethings.
What type of mom am I? I really don't know if I can answer that question with total certainty yet. For now, I am allowing myself to explore and learning to appreciate the things that I do enjoy tremendously with her, and letting go of the ones that I don't enjoy so much. After all, she's a lucky little baby with lots of love, so why hog her all for myself?
p.s.- this year is her first Halloween with me. Stay tuned for pics of her in her adorable little costume! :)
3 comments:
Congrats on your momhood. I believe that you never stop asking yourself what type of mother you are. As a dad, i ask myself that question too often as well as what type of father will i be when my kids are older. I guess that adapting to the changes they go through as they will adapt to us as parents. Again, congrats on being a mom..... i know that your little girl already knows what type of mom she has.
Juan!! What a surprise!! Thank you and congrats to you on fatherhood. It truly is a special, precious gift!! I hope you're doing wonderful!! Good to hear from you. :)
It is a blessing and an honor to be a parent. I am doing great as i hope you are as well. i hope to hear more from you.
Post a Comment