I think when someone complements or thanks your child for being kind or helpful it brings me the biggest feeling of pride that the lessons we are teaching at home are being used out of the home in the real world. My husband and I always say we’re in it for the long game for when they are on their own so this lets us know they’re on the right track.

Motherhood (and therapy lol) have taught me that when children, especially those with traumatic backgrounds, act out it’s not always personal. As their mom I’m their safe place they will let their guard down and be themselves, vent, yell, show frustration all of it. That doesn’t mean that they are acting out against me but the situation. That understanding has helped me react much more effectively and not create such tension. Problem solve don’t add to problem.

I’ve torn my rotator cuff and need to have surgery. I’d use the money to pay off some debt, pay for the surgery and save up to fix up our house a bit. As a parent, the things you need often get put on the back burner, and as ours get older we’re starting to see those things we’ve been slacking on! But I wouldn’t do anything different. I’d rather be there for the kiddos so let that house go! Time is short!