Things I have learned about being a Mom

1.  You can teach your children to Load and Unload the dishwasher

However do not expect that when they load it they will do it properly… this is apparently rocket science to anybody but Mom.  If they unload it and the sink is full of dishes, unless expressly told to do so, they will not put their dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

2.  Socks will be everywhere

In the couches, under the kitchen table, between mattresses.

3.  They will never use the last of anything

This would require going to the effort of replacing or throwing it out.  In the case of cookies, they will leave one in the bottom.  In the case of milk there will be a swallow.  Water bottles will be drank 3/4 of the way and left wherever.

4.  If something is lost… You will have to find it.

My children have complete melt downs if after 30 seconds of looking they cannot find; something.  This immediately results in “Mom… where’s my…. !”.  Trying to get them to look harder is an argument you probably will not win.  Pick your battles.

5. Until they hit puberty, bathtime, hair brushing and general hygeine will be a war on germs. 

6.  Your house will not be clean ever again!

possibly for an hour if nobody but you is home, but that’s about it.

But most of all I have learned to choose my battles, enjoy the hugs and kisses and fun moments and that time outs were not created for children… they were created for parents.