a youngmommy classic

I love this post and I’m sure I’m not biased.

Originally published January 13, 2009

9 Things Every Young Mommy Must Do Before She Turns 30

1. Accept your new body. We all know that  pregnancy and motherhood change things. Especially the way things…um, sit. What once was high and firm and perky is now…well, not so high and maybe not so firm and definitely not so perky. BUT! Your body once had ANOTHER PERSON in it. Very cool, I think. Accepting your body (flaws and all) is simply giving it the respect it deserves.

2. Learn the fine art of budgeting.It’s not hard, really. (Go visit my friend Arlice at A Woman’s Worth – she’ll teach you. ) You’ve got to get your finances under control by this point in your life. Know what comes in, what’s going out and how to maximize what’s left over! Financial stability is vital for your kids, and getting your money in order is a great step in that direction.

3. Become (just a little bit more) secure in your mommy skills. I’m not saying you always know what you are doing every day, but I’m sure you feel a little more confident that if the kids come running to you for something, that you are able to handle it. I remember cringing every time my six-month-old daughter cried because I wasn’t sure what she wanted and I couldn’t handle failing once again. (My daughter had a look she’d give me, as in, “You idiot. You fail!”) But slowly, I l learned how to soothe her and now I handle most problems with ease.

4. Establish a weekly routine of doing something just for you. It doesn’t matter what it is. If you enjoy knitting or bowling or swimming or exercising, do what feels good for you. Not something that will in some way directly benefit the kids (such as learning to sew so you can patch clothes or something), but something that brings joy to you and you alone. A happy mommy is a better mommy. Always remember that.

5. Master “The Look” or whatever means of discipline you use to keep your kids in line. Right now, my daughter pretty much runs my life. Her needs are my needs and I live to keep her happy. She’s a darling little girl, doesn’t give me much trouble, so I have no problem giving her what she wants. There will come a day, however, when she isn’t so cooperative and I will need to disclipine her. It’s good to know I’ll have something at my disposal to work with.  

6. Find that one “mommy friend” who always, always, always has your back. Yes, she can be childless, but it’s a bonus if she knows exactly where you’re been.

7. Learn how to cook. You don’t have to become a gourmet chef, but you have to develop an arsenal of basic recipes and at least one WOW! dish that makes people think you can throw down in the kitchen with anyone.

7. Take a vacay by yourself – even if its just a weekend or an overnight trip. Leave the kids with the husband, or drop the kids off with Grandma, and go somewhere just for you. Bring your coziest robe, order some room service and watch a movie in bed. Let someone else do the cooking for a change!

8. Have a clear vision of what you want your life to look like for the next 10-15 years. I know my kids weren’t planned. The life I thought I would be leading right now has long been shattered to bits and it was taken me a minute to get back on track. Around 30, I will be able to look back at where I’ve been, and have clear goals for where I want to be.

9. Spend your days focused on the things that really matter. Family.

So what’s one of your personal goals to achieve before you turn 30? Let me know in the comments!