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What To Do After You Yell At Your Kids

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I yell at my kids.

Sometimes, I yell too much in a day.

Other times, I have the patience of Mother Teresa and I don’t yell (too much.)

It’s always so painful to see the aftermath of a crazy yelling spree. It’s downright heartbreaking.

Sometimes, it feels good to yell. Because you’ve had it up to HERE and you’re just DONE. So when that righteous anger kicks in and you start to yell, my my, don’t it feel good for a split second.

But when that split second is over, the shame, guilt and sadness wash over you and take you down to wanting to curl up and cry.

So, what do you do after you yell at your kids?

You’ve already yelled. And you’ve faced the shell shocked looks on the faces of your kids.

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure at the bottom of the page.

Here’s what to do AFTER you yell at your kids:

Say You’re Sorry

Take a deep breath, calm down and then apologize. It doesn’t matter if your kids are 1 and 2 or 11 and 12. Teach them to apologize when they’ve made a mistake starting as soon as you can.

It’s these moments that teach integrity and show that you view them as tiny humans- not just kids who don’t need an explanation or an apology.

It also shows your children that YOU are human too and that everyone struggles with controlling their emotions at times. This is GOOD for them.

Explain Yourself

Always explain your reaction and thought pattern. Were you running on fumes and little sleep? Tell them that! Even if they seem too young to understand. Say it in a way that they CAN understand.

“Mommy was up a lot last night and didn’t get enough sleep.”

“Mom didn’t eat breakfast this morning and got a little bit grumpy.”

Reset

I’ve talked about this in some of my other posts, like this one. Having a reset is crucial for ALL of you to move on after you’ve lost it.

Our favorite way is to sit down in a circle on the floor (it’s important you get down to their level). Grab hands with each other. Now, go around the circle and each one of you says 1-3 things you love about each other.

Guys, usually by this point I am BAWLING. It’s extremely hard not to feel empathy and compassion when you are holding their tiny hands and looking into their innocent eyes.

Forgive Yourself

This might be the most important (aside from apologizing), simply because you’re the only one who can do it. Your kids will forgive and move on with their day because they live in the moment and that’s what kids do.

Us momma’s, we have a tendency to relive every horrible moment over and over and OVER again. Doing this, isn’t good for you. Because each time you do it, you’re also reliving the emotions that ran through your body. It’s almost like a drug.

Same with reliving being angry- you can rile yourself and get super mad again.

So, try not to do this. Actively tell yourself “I forgive myself.”

And when the memory keeps popping up, keep telling yourself that you’re forgiven and it’s time to move on.

Dwelling on it won’t make it better, I can promise you that. Move forward and try to do better.

Is It A Pattern?

This one can be hard to pin point because it’s hard to take a step back and analyze yourself and your days. And it’s hard to admit, perhaps, that you have a pattern involving anger.

I can tell you right now, I KNOW a pattern that never fails to make me SO FREAKING MAD.

It’s the mornings my daughter has school. She gets picked up by a bus. If we don’t get everything in order the night before, I can pretty much guarantee a blow up. This is because on top of the stress of getting her out the door, we are running around like maniacs looking for her folder, a book that’s due, a toy for show and tell, all while my anxiety creeps higher and higher.

Then there will be one small thing asked on top of all that and BAM- I’m done, I’m yelling.

So, I took note of this and now try to make sure that her backpack has her folder, book and toy packed the night before. Same with a lunch packed and an outfit chosen.

It really, truly helps.

What are the patterns in your house? What can you do to change them?

***

Parenting is straight up insanity. You’re constantly pushed to your limits and having your senses over stimulated. The requests and tasks are never ending and a break doesn’t really exist unless you make it happen.

I just want you to know that we’ve all done it. We’ve all yelled at our kids. It sucks. But it’s normal. It’s normal to lose our cool once in a while.

What’s important is how you handle it after and what you’re doing to prevent it from happening in the first place. We’re learning every single day. There’s no manual. You have to keep experiencing and trying different things before you get it ‘right.’

But who’s to say what’s wrong or right? It looks different for different families.

Try your best, treat your kids like kind and wise humans and give yourself some grace.

I hope you this gave you a good idea of what to do after you yell at your kids. If you have any words of advice or encouragement for other moms, please leave a comment!

Looking for more positive parenting advice?

How To Induce Labor Naturally

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How To Start Labor Contractions

 

Have you been googling “how to induce labor yourself?” If you’re anything like me, being 38 weeks means you can safely and gently start trying to figure out what triggers labor so you can get this party started!

After 3 babies (one being early, one being late and one being on her due date) I can safely say I’ve tried pretty much everything!

Being 38 weeks you might be searching for quick and easy ways to induce labor. 40 weeks and beyond- you may be searching for ways to go into labor TONIGHT.

Are you worried or anxious about going through labor and birth? Try using birth affirmation cards– they will empower you and help you have an easier birth. Grab your set here.

This is point where I tell you I am NOT a medical professional. Please see my disclosure at the bottom of the page.

Is It Safe To Induce Labor At 37 Weeks?

A full term baby is said to be anywhere from 37-42 weeks. There is more information coming out that babies born between 37-38 weeks of pregnancy (whether born on their own or induced) face higher risks of health problems.

In short?

Wait. I know, it’s so hard by the end, especially if you’re super uncomfortable. But unless there is a medical reason, don’t start trying to induce labor unless you’re at least 39 weeks.

RELATED: What Does Labor Actually Feel Like??

Drink Red Raspberry Leaf Tea

What Red Raspberry Leaf Tea does:

I used RRLT in 2 of my pregnancies. I drank 1 cup per day in the first trimester, 2 cups per day in the second trimester and 3 cups per day in the third trimester. I literally took it to the hospital with me to give birth, it was my tonic and I loved it!

If you haven’t been drinking it and you’re at the end of your pregnancy- start with 1 cup to try to stimulate contractions.

For me, PERSONALLY- I truly believe red raspberry leaf tea helped shorten my labors, strengthen my uterus and shorten the time I had to push. I would never go through another pregnancy or labor without it!

With my son, my labor was under 6 hours and I pushed for 3 minutes.

YES, 3 minutes.

With my daughter, my labor was under 4 hours and I pushed for 5 minutes.

That being said, there still are not enough studies to definitely say that RRLT will either bring on labor or help shorten your labor, these are just my personal experiences.

If you like the ease of bags- these are the ones I used. If you’re more into buying in bulk at a better price, I recommend this kind!

RELATED: How To Have A Faster Labor (even for first time moms)

Nipple Stimulation

Stimulating your nipples can cause your body to respond by releasing oxytocin which can get labor going. The video below explains how to do it correctly and not over do it!

Eat Spicy Foods

They say that eating spicy foods can irritate your intestines which may cause cramping and lead to contractions.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of evidence to support this but if you love spicy food then what the heck! Give it a try!

RELATED: Signs That Labor Is 24-48 Hours Away

Clary Sage

Clary Sage can stimulate

the release of oxytocin which is why women also use it DURING labor. It helps to intensify contractions and promotes calming.

Clary sage is honestly one of my favorite ways to try and kick start labor. This is because I love the smell and it’s super non invasive- you just add a couple drops of clary sage to a carrier oil (like almond or grapeseed), mix them together and then rub on your belly once or twice a day.

You can also just drop a couple drops onto a cotton ball and inhale. This is the brand I know and love!

RELATED: 7 Reasons To Be A Stay At Home Mom (and 7 reasons not to)

Exercises To Induce Labor

Squats, lunges and walking can all be effective in helping to coax your baby out. I once went into labor after a floor cleaning session! I was furiously mopping the floor when suddenly I realized I had stopped and was doubled over the mop having a contraction. So get active!

The video below is an actual 10 minute labor inducing work out which might be more helpful if you’d like some direction!

Birthing balls can be a great way to give your baby a nudge.

According to Healthline-

Not only can a birthing ball encourage the opening of your pelvic muscles to make room for baby, they can also help to relieve the aches and pain that come along with pregnancy.

They can also relieve anxiety and reduce the pain of labor.

This birthing ball has over 4000 positive reviews on Amazon and is under $20!

RELATED: Signs and Symptoms of Approaching Labor

Membrane Stripping

This study shows that membrane sweeping WORKS.

But, does it work every time?

No, not every time.

With my second baby I had 2 membrane sweepings and my son was still 9 days overdue. With my third baby, I had my membranes swept on the morning of her due date. My doctor looked me right in the eye and said “this baby is nowhere close to coming out, don’t hold your breath!”

So, I didn’t hold my breath and went about my day. I went into labor at 2:30pm later that day and had my daughter at 6:27!

If you’re truly ready and very safely past 38 weeks, try asking for membrane sweep. It’s kind of uncomfortable but I was always fine with it because I wanted those babies OUT!

Using Acupressure To Induce Labor

People have been using acupressure to induce labor for a long time. Unfortunately, when I dug a bit deeper, I did find a study saying that it really doesn’t do anything.

That still doesn’t mean you can’t give it a go! I certainly tried.

This video shows you where to press-

RELATED: No BS Hospital Bag Checklist (with a free printable checklist!)

Evening Primrose To Induce Labor

Although you may be willing to try anything to meet your baby, proceed with caution when reaching for evening primrose oil, blue cohosh or castor oil. There have been studies that say ingesting any of those may actually do harm rather than good.

On the other side, there are some sources that think evening primrose oil is better than blue cohosh and castor oil because it releases prostaglandins but this is still to be taken with caution.

If you are really dead set on trying these herbs- get the green light from your doctor first!

Reduce Stress

Are you stressed out? Who isn’t at the end of a pregnancy. By reducing stress and relaxing, you’re letting your body know that it’s okay for the baby to make their debut.

So take a long, warm magnesium bath to relieve your aches and pains and calm down. And while you’re in there sip on a cup of this magical Pregnancy Sleep Tea– it’s got real coconut flakes and lavender.

Eat A Whole Pineapple

This one is kind of funny- everyone says a whole pineapple but the experts say that it would actually have to be more like SEVEN whole pineapples to get the effects of the bromelain to induce labor.

Don’t eat 7 pineapples- you’ll get a seriously upset stomach. Why don’t you try juicing them? I still wouldn’t drink the juice of 7 but maybe 2 or 3?

Dates can also be beneficial to labor.

In a study done in 2011, they found that eating 6 dates a day in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy led to a shorter first stage of labor, greater cervical dilation and a lesser chance of needing a c-section compared to those that didn’t eat dates.

So why not make a delicious pineapple and date smoothie? They were one of my go to snacks at the end of my last pregnancy. Get some big, fat, juicy medjool dates and treat yo’self!

RELATED: No B.S. Pregnancy Must Haves For Every Trimester

Have Sex

Have SEX? At the END of PREGNANCY? If that’s your reaction- me too. Oy vey.

But hey, if it’ll get the baby out I’m game to try!

The prostaglandins in semen help to ripen the cervix and get it ready for labor. They actually use synthetic prostaglandins to induce labor so I think they’re on to something there.

It might be a combination of the prostaglandins, orgasm and tightening of the uterine muscles that can stimulate labor.

Try it and try to enjoy it- sex after baby is a whole other ball game.

Proven Ways To Induce Labor At Home

  • Have sex but make sure he ejaculates inside the vagina- the semen is what contains the prostaglandins which can bring on labor. Tilt your hips up to let gravity help the prostaglandins get to your cervix!
  • Go for a walk but not so long that you’re exhausted.
  • Stimulate your nipples.

Take All Of This With A Grain Of Salt

Your body will not go into labor unless it is ready. As much as I want to tell you that one or all of these things can 100% cause you to go into labor…

I can’t.

These things may have caused me to go into labor or it was something that I happened to do right before I would have gone into labor anyway.

When googling “how to induce labor,”  and wanting to try everything, it’s so easy to find things that you will take as the absolute truth because you are desperate.

Slow down, try things because they are fun and don’t do the nasty ones if you don’t want to.

Try To Enjoy The Last Little While

The last few weeks are hell. You’re tired, you’re huge, you’re just DONE.

Obsessing is not fun, especially if you have other children to contend with. I was so bad for this, I just couldn’t let it go and wait. I tried everything I could with each pregnancy to just HAVE THIS BABY ALREADY.

And looking back now, this attitude is so sad. You may never be pregnant again. Yes, it’s so good for it be over and meet your baby but looking back now-

I miss being pregnant.

There is a magical side to it that you only have for 9 months. And even though the last few weeks feel like eternity, they’re not. Enjoy the squirms and hiccups and the feeling of that beautiful connection before you meet your lovely baby.

Did anything specific work  to bring on labor for you? Let me know in the comments ❤

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HOW TO INDUCE LABOR AT HOME (FAST)

 

 

 

 

How To Be A Calmer Parent

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HOW TO BECOME A CALM PARENT

 

If you’re a parent you’ve definitely googled “how can I be a calmer parent” or “how can I be a more relaxed parent?” Or you’ve at least thought it to yourself.

Having children causes tremendous personal growth. They teach us how to be selfless, caring and kind. They teach us humility, because who else has had those beautiful, intense moments shattered by ‘mom, I found a booger.’

They also bring out a dark side. One that maybe you didn’t realize you had. It’s scary when you come face to face with it. And it usually happens when you’re sleep deprived and not prepared for it.

Maybe it’s a passing thought at 3 am when you’re holding a screaming baby and it flits across your brain ‘I’m actually close to throwing my child across the room.” It’s horrifying and you wonder how it could even happen.

Or, maybe, the dark side of you rears its ugly head when you are at the end of your already frayed rope and your kids have been fighting all morning and you lose it. Not just a ‘stop it!’ or ‘be quiet!’ but a full blown ‘can’t you two shut up, I can’t stand it anymore, SHUT UP!’

It leaves you wondering who you are. And sometimes, I’ve even wished I’d never had kids so I didn’t have to see that ugly side of myself.

But, perhaps, there’s beauty in it too. To learn that every single human being on this planet is made up of so many layers, and some of them are not so pretty.

You might be wondering, ‘how CAN I be calmer?’

Where there’s a will- there’s a way.

Embrace The Insanity Of Children

I still fight with this every single day. I act like my kids should be quiet and not spill stuff or make a huge mess. And why? Why do I do this to myself.

Having children is complete insanity. It’s repetition (of questions and actions and thoughts), it’s chaos, it’s beautiful, it’s LIFE.

On the days where I decide to embrace the insanity, I have a lot more fun. I laugh more and don’t get worried over the messes and clutter.

Let Go Of Your Expectations

What happens when you expect something to go a certain way and it doesn’t? Usually, you’re not thrilled. Dealing with kids is crazy town. Ditch your expectations and start each day with and INTENTION instead of an EXPECTATION.

Intend to have a good day, intend to be calmer, intend to laugh more and react with kindness.

Take Time Alone (Quietly)

Kids are extremely intense on all of our senses. They are constantly hanging off you, yelling for no reason, acting wild, fighting or making a mess. And really, why wouldn’t they be, they’re kids!

But.

It’s a barrage on all of your senses. Take some when you can to have some quiet moments. It really helps you to be a calmer parent when you come back to the chaos.

RELATED: 7 Reasons To Be A Stay At Home Mom (and 7 reasons not to)

Get A Hobby

Find something that brings you joy and do it as often as you can. Whether it’s something physical like running or yoga or something creative like painting or crafting.

Don’t act like it’s some silly thing you kind of like to do. It’s not silly and it will keep you sane.

Take Things Less Seriously

This is something I struggle with everyday. But I’m getting better! When is the last time you laughed your head off with your kids? Sometimes when I stop thinking about my neverending to-do list or put my frickin phone down, I tune in to how funny and sweet my kids are being.

Yeah, the house is a disaster and there’s a mountain of laundry. But you’re safe, you’ve got food to eat and a roof over your head. Laugh with your kids and be grateful for what you have.

Say ‘Yes’ As Often As You Can

I love to say no. It’s my go to answer for anything my kids ask. Why? Because it’s become a habit. If you do the same, I challenge to ask yourself why you’re saying no to certain things.

Of course, I still say no to things that are important and warrant a no. But the little things? A big fat YES.

I want to wear my pajamas to the grocery store! – sure kid!

I want a purple cup not a green cup! –why not!

We need to pull all of the blankets out of the closet to build a fort! – do it!

They won’t be small forever. One day, their wants will be a lot harder to say yes to (like borrowing the car to go to a party) so say yes to their sweet and innocent wants and save yourself the trouble of a fight or argument.

Always Question- Never Accuse

It’s never as it seems. Even if it seems cut and dried, always ask what happened in a non accusatory way when your kids have done something that seems bad. It’ll help you remain calm to take those extra few seconds to calmly ask what happened before pointing the finger of blame.

Forgive Yourself

You won’t always know how to control your anger with your kids. Or, even if you KNOW how, you won’t be able to. Because, well, the whole human aspect. Don’t dwell on what you’ve done and feel sick about it for days. Kids are resilient, they bounce back so fast. What’s important is that you do your best to repair the damage, learn from your mistakes and FORGIVE YOURSELF.

No one else can do that for you. It’s up to you.

Exercise

Exercising is so so so important to your physical AND mental health. It cause a release of endorphins, it makes you feel strong and accomplished. It can help you be a calmer parent. Take your frustrations out by pounding the pavement, lifting some heavy ass weights or doing some super zen yoga. It will truly help you be a calmer parent.

What To Do If You Lose It

Sit down with your kids in a circle. Hold their hands. Look in their eyes. Go around the circle and say something you love about each of them and ask them to do the same. Hug them, hold them close and always apologize. You’re human❤

RELATED: What To Do After You Yell At Your Kids

CALM PARENTING BOOKS

Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids

No Drama Discipline

Gentle Discipline

The 5 Love Languages Of Children

Beyond Time-Out

How To Stop Losing Your Sh*t

From Chaos To Calm (ADHD and other behavioral problems)

Calm The F*ck Down 

CALM PARENTING PODCASTS

Calm Parenting Podcast

Little Sprigs

Unruffled: Respectful Parenting

Hand In Hand Parenting

CALM PARENTING FREE RESOURCES

Calm Down Plan For Parents

Did you find anything on this list to help you become a calmer parent? If you have any other suggestions for other parents, let us know in the comments!

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How To Increase Breast Milk Supply (for breastfeeding moms)

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SIGNS OF LOW MILK SUPPLY

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my disclosure at the bottom of the page.

Having a baby is kind of sort of CRAZY. It’s like, your hormones are partying like teenagers on the 4th of July, you pushed a watermelon out of yourself and now you’re responsible for keeping this tiny, fragile human ALIVE.

Yikes!

And then on top of all of that you may be learning to breastfeed. Which comes with it’s set of challenges. And if you have a low supply? That could be devastating.

This post is meant to answer all of your questions on how to increase breast milk supply, why your supply might be low and signs of low supply! I’ve included some quotes from real mommas who did have some trouble but got their supply up successfully! Hopefully they help you.

how long does it take to increase breast milk supply?

It takes about 3-5 days before you’ll see an increase in your milk supply when you’re actively trying to increase it. This is because of supply and demand. Give your body a chance to adjust to the new demands!

Signs of low breast milk supply

Here are some signs your breastmilk IS decreasing:

  • Your baby isn’t gaining weight– babies lose 5-10 percent of their birth weight within the first days of their lives. However, they should be back up to their birth weight by day 10-14 and then start gaining around an ounce a day.
  • Not enough wet diapers– expect 5-6+ wet diapers every 24 hours after your milk comes in!
  • Dehydration in baby– if your baby has dark-colored urine, dry mouth or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or if they seem lethargic or not interested in feeding they could be dehydrated.

Why is my milk supply low?

According to Mayo Clinic, your milk supply may be low for a number of reasons:

  • Waiting too long to start breastfeeding after birth.
  • Not breastfeeding often enough– even though your baby may be sleepy, make sure they are waking often enough to feed. Newborns eat 8-12 times a day.
  • Supplementing breastfeeding– the chances of needing to supplement are not high. Only supplement if your doctor has recommended this. Supplementing can cause a low milk supply because your body doesn’t think it needs to produce as much milk. This is because of supply and demand. 
  • Incorrect latch– I found it confusing and difficult to understand what the nurses were telling me about latching while I was in the hospital (probably because of sleep deprivation and utter exhaustion- go figure.) Check out this video to get a better understanding of a good latch if you’re struggling, it’s very helpful!
  • Premature birth.
  • Pacifier introduced too soon– giving your baby a soother in the first month can affect your supply. Mayo Clinic suggests waiting until 3-4 weeks after birth before giving your baby a pacifier.

What foods help produce breast milk?

Eating these foods can help you naturally boost your breast milk supply:

  • Oatmeal
  • Spinach
  • Brewer’s yeast
  • Garlic
  • Fenugreek
  • Apricots

RELATED: Yummy Lactation Boosting Recipes

What are the home remedies to increase breast milk supply?

  • Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
  • Rest when you can.
  • Be easy on yourself.

Tips from real moms who had a low milk supply and brought it UP successfully!

Keyona from Professional Momma

When I first returned to work I experienced a decrease in my milk supply. I wasn’t able to pump as often as I’d been nursing at home and it was very stressful. I wanted to avoid the herb supplements because I had heard they could actually hurt your supply too. So, I turned to power pumping on the weekends and it was a game changer.

Keyona also has an in depth guide to power pumping, you can find it HERE.

Hilda from Real Mom Help

I had trouble with my milk supply with my first born. I am not sure it it was stress, inexperience or just overall low production that I dealt with. I think it was probably a bit of all of these. My lactation nurse recommended fenugreek capsules. They worked wonders. I was able to produce more ilk and was able to stop supplementing with formula. My baby was growing. Ever since, I breastfed two more babies successfully. And while my milk supply was never super abundant, the fenugreek helped make it enough for my babies.

Ashley from Mom Like You Mean It

Making sure to drink plenty of water and eat foods like oats and fenugreek. They always gave my supply a little boost, but when I really needed to up my supply considerably I always used power pumping to help increase milk production. Power pumping works by mimicking a cluster feeding session where you use a double electric pump to pump off and on for an hour.

You can check out Ashley’s post on power pumping that goes a lot more in depth HERE.

Rebecca from Collecting Clovers

My last child was born with an undiscovered tongue-tie. By the time it was discovered, at 4 weeks of age, my supply had already taken a significant hit.

With the assistance of an IBCLC, I began triple feeding and power pumping to increase my supply. Since supply is established by demand, triple feeding and power pumping told my body it needed to produce more milk. I also added in oatmeal every morning, increased my water intake and fenugreek free Milk Mama supplements.

It took several weeks, but I was able to increase my once depleted supply. I increased it so much, I actually ended up with an oversupply, which came with its own set of challenges!

It’s a wild and scary time the first few weeks/months with a newborn. If you’re struggling with a low supply, please know that it’s probably not your fault. These things happen sometimes that are out of our control. Be easy on yourself, be patient. I’m sending you so much luck and love on your journey, whether you breastfeed or not. I know you’ve got this ❤

Do you have any tips or words of wisdom for other mommas who may be struggling? Leave a comment and let me know where you’re at, I’d love to connect!

Why Being A Mom Makes You A Badass

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Being a mom is badass. You heard me. It really, truly is. Right from the moment of conception, throughout growing a freaking human being to meeting that wild, animalistic side of yourself in childbirth you never knew existed.

It’s badass.

And then we get to raise our kids which, at times, is scary as hell. And at others? BADASS, MOMMA. This post was written as mom encouragement, new mom encouragement, single mom encouragement- whatever kind of mom you are, this is for you:

 

You Give It Your All For A (kind of) Thankless Job

Seriously. You don’t have a boss looking over you, no one notices your accomplishments and sometimes that would be nice.

Imagine if you had someone to see how you handled this mornings melt down and they told you how much you rocked the shit out of that tantrum, you were patient AF.

But there is no there to see and sometimes it’s hard to remember that you frickin rock, mama!

You’re Raising The Next Generation

It’s up to us to navigate these crazy times, to show our kids how to be kind and courteous in a world that isn’t. It’s our job to ensure that they are loved enough that they will go out into the world and spread more love than hate.

That’s a pretty awesome job description. It’s also scary as hell. We got this!

You Stop Caring What People Think

I mean, kind of. It’s hard to seriously stop caring about what everyone thinks. When you have kids it all suddenly seems a lot less important because you have something WAY more important and valuable than Aunt Bonnie’s bullshit opinion on your parenting style- your children.

You Learn Valuable Life Lessons- FAST

Does anything teach you how to grow up and mature as fast as having children? They teach you about patience, humility, not always coming first, thinking about someone other than yourself. I honestly don’t know how long it would have taken me to learn these things if I hadn’t had children.

You Would Literally Die For Another Person

Now that- is badass. Had you ever considered that before? And it’s crazy because with your own kids, it’s such a nonchalant idea. It bubbles up in your head- If I could die to save my kids, I’d do it. 

And then you move on from that thought because you’re so dead serious, it doesn’t even warrant follow up thoughts. Amazing.

You Become Someone’s Hero (don’t fuck that up)

The day your baby is born, you become their world, their hero. It doesn’t matter if you think you’re overweight, swear too much, are covered in stretch marks or have a few sneaky chin hairs- YOU are their HERO. Embrace that!

You Learn That Others Can Come First (and you won’t die)

I think everyone needs to learn this lesson. When you’re parenting, instant gratification can still be found, but it’s harder than when you were living your childless days.

There is always someone to think of before yourself. And not that you can’t focus on you first sometimes, you should, but with kids it’s very difficult to do that.

But you learn something else.

Time, that sneaky bastard. Time has a way of speeding up exponentially when you have kids. So yes, it’s your kids first. But for how long? They grow so fast and become so independent. And by the time you can really put yourself first again, I’ll bet you’ll be wishing for those intense days with your young kids.

They grow up too fast.

***

I think we all ask the question ‘will I be a good mom?’ before we bring our first baby home from the hospital. You are exactly what your child needs, and your child is exactly what you need. You’re a fierce, badass mom. Embrace that shit!

Want more inspiring posts for moms?

Sensory Activities For Toddlers

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Okay, so everyone talks about them- but, what are SENSORY ACTIVITIES?

Sensory activities are anything involving the 5 senses (sight, touch, taste, sound and smell). Children and adults learn best and retain information when all the senses are engaged!

There are two other senses that are not as commonly talked about but are just as important. These are:

  • Body awareness- the internal understanding of where the body is in space.
  • Balance- the vestibular system is the sensory system that contributes to the sense of balance.

By engaging all of your child’s senses, you are forging new pathways in their brains and helping with general brain development.

By encouraging sensory play, you are putting your child in situations with different sights, smell, sounds, textures and noises with no judgement or expectation.

It helps them if they come into a situation that may have made them uncomfortable but they have already experienced it during sensory play!

This list contains general sensory activities and sensory bins.

 

These are the basics to get started with sensory bins although I’m sure you can scrounge something up from around the house!

41 qt bin (large)

19 qt bin (small)

Plastic table cloth

Without further ado, here is a giant list of SENSORY ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS!

MOON SAND

KINETIC SAND/MOON SAND/SENSORY ACTIVITIES FOR TODDLERS

Moon sand or kinetic sand. This one gets a bit messy so mentally and physically prepare for that. All you need to do to make your own moon sand is:

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup baby oil (or melted coconut oil)
  • food coloring (optional)

Mix the ingredients together and throw it into a big bin like this one. The bin is nice because you can put the lid on after and store the moon sand to use again. Add some sand toys and voila, you’ve got hours of sensory fun!

*hot tip- place a plastic table cloth from the dollar store under the bin to catch the spills.

PASTA THREADING

This is super easy to set up. Plop a blob of play-doh onto a plate. Stick two spaghetti noodles sticking straight up into the play-doh. Have your toddler thread other pasta noodles like penne or something like beads onto the spaghtetti noddles!

SENSORY BEAD WINDOW

Have you seen water beads yet? They expand in water and are oh so cool! However, I would like to issue a warning here- These require intense supervision. They are NOT to be swallowed. So use caution!

Fill a bag with re-hydrated water beads, squeeze the air out, seal, tape to a window and let your toddler go at it!

Grab the full tutorial from Parenting Chaos here.

BUBBLE FOAM

sensory activities for toddlers

Bubble foam is just water and soap whipped together. Simple, and genius! Add some food coloring and toys, you’ve got fun for hours!

Get the full tutorial from Busy Toddler here.

SENSORY BALLOONS

Get some balloons from the dollar store and funnel in some different fillings like:

  • rice
  • water beads
  • sand
  • flour
  • dry beans
  • pom poms
  • cornstarch and water

Be sure to double knot the balloon and I would recommend still playing with these over a bin or at least the table just in case!

CHEERIOS ON PIPE CLEANERS

This one is exactly like it sounds ? Get your toddler to thread cheerios onto a pipe cleaner! And they get to snack while doing it!

POM POM DROP

This is soooo easy to set up and will provide so much entertainment for your toddler! Grab an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll, tape it to the wall and have your toddler drop pom poms down through it into a dish!

You can read the full tutorial here.

PUZZLE HUNT

Visit the tutorial here.

What a great idea for toddlers! Not only is this sensory but it helps them to learn the alphabet (or shape or numbers depending on what you have). 

WASHING FARM ANIMALS

Visit the tutorial here.

This is enthralling for toddlers. They love to get something dirty and then clean it! A simple concept that provides so much fun and sensory play!

POM POM WHISK

Grab your kitchen whisk- stuff it full of pom poms.

Have your toddler try to take them out one at a time! This is a great fine motor activity for 1-3 year olds.

STUCK IN THE MUD

Visit the tutorial here.

What an amazing idea! I’m sure most of us have made the goop from cornstarch and water, that hardens when you squeeze and liquefies as you let go? Simple Learning Kids added a delicious ingredient to make it mud colored- check out the tutorial!

PIPE CLEANER CHALLENGE

Grab a colander (pasta strainer), grab some pipe cleaners and give these to your toddler. Have them thread the pipe cleaners through multiple holes.

So much fun!

GREEN PEA SENSORY BAG

Visit the tutorial here.

This works great with frozen peas. They’re fun to feel and mash more slowly since they start frozen. Make sure to seal the bag well with tape!

CUCUMBER WATER

Add some water, food coloring of your choice and cucumber slices to a sensory bin! Your toddler will love playing with and eating the cucumber slices! Let them go wild and don’t give any directions. Get the details at Kids Play Tricks on IG.

SCOOP AND POUR SENSORY BIN

This is something that can be done with ANYTHING around your house! Place the sensory item (popcorn kernels, dried beans, lentils, water beads, packing peanuts, sand, water and ice cubes, etc) in a small tub. Place that tub inside a bigger bin and add different sized bowls/measuring cups. Give them something to scoop with and have them pour into the bowls/measuring cups!

How did your sensory activity turn out with your toddler? If you have any other tips or ideas for sensory activities, add them below in the comments❤

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ULTIMATE LIST OF TODDLER ACTIVITIES

DIY SENSORY TABLE