The babysitter

Tim and I got into a discussion last weekend about different styles of parenting. He suggested I blog about it, and after observing more and more "babysitters" I thought I would. What do I mean by babysitter? Well, I think there are two types of parents in this world. There are those that cherish every moment (good and bad) with their children, are always looking for teachable situations to better their children, and view the health and happiness of their children as the most important thing in their life. Then you have those parents who are just trying to make it through the day, give into frustrating situations just to end a battle, rarely hold their children accountable for their actions, and are more concerned with their own life goals and happiness over their children's. These are the babysitters, I see it every day and it truly makes me sad. This is the Mom who seems to loose it over nothing in Target, is whining in response to her preschooler, and always complaining about how hard she has it as a Mom. I don't understand these parents. I'm not trying to judge or say I'm better than anyone else, but one thing Tim and I continue to hear is "oh you just got lucky with Austin". Well, yes, he is an amazing little boy and we are VERY LUCKY. But I refuse to believe that it's nothin' but luck. Sleeping through the night by 8 weeks old, potty training before he was two, having a smooth transition to a big boy bed, having good manors, and just being a well behaved kid doesn't all happen magically, trust me! There are tantrums and plenty of trips to the naughty chair..but that's called parenting! And if you think these milestones are "silly" and don't really mean much, then you obviously aren't a parent yet! Because getting through them can be hell! You can't expect your children to just wake up one morning and be perfect angels. You are the adult, and you are going to have to be the one to put in the hard work. As a stay at home mom I have my own troubles, my own frustrations and plenty of bad days..trust me! But over all, I LOVE what I do..and what do I do? I'm a Stay at Home Mom and proud of it! Each day is a new opportunity to teach Austin something new, to share fun moments, make new friends, be adventurous, and ultimately shape him into a wonderful little MAN. I'm a Mom..a friend, a wife, a nurse, a teacher, a cook, a chauffeur, an event coordinator..and yes even a housekeeper! Never A Babysitter.