Top Ten Things I wish a ‘MOMMY MENTOR’ had Told Me

When my children were little, I remember wishing I had a MOMMY MENTOR. 

I was familiar with mentoring from the business world. That is, when a successful business person takes under their wing a junior business person and guides them through the choices and situations they face, to become the best business person they can be.

Now, imagine having a wise mom in your life to guide you, to discuss difficult decisions, to listen and figure out the best course of action, and based on their vast experience and your individual situation, find the best parenting strategy?

Couldn’t we all benefit from having a MOMMY MENTOR?!?! I think yes!

Seriously, I bet some dads wish they had a wise father friend in their life to learn from too.

I am the oldest contributor at San Diego Moms Blog, my kids being young adults now. Both have graduated from college. One is embarking on his dream job soon. The other is… moving home while she picks up some classes before continuing on to grad school (I know, I know… they always come back!). Successes for sure, by most parenting standards!

And, even though I am pleased with the outcome of my parenting, the road may have been a bit easier if I had had a MOMMY MENTOR. So I share with you…

TOP TEN Things I Wish a MOMMY MENTOR had Told Me

• To cultivate the best health possible, your growing child needs clean and nutritious real food most of the time with minimal sweets and treats and overly processed foods
• Too much screen time, where it interferes with real life and school, must be dealt with no matter how difficult
• Look into schools, preschool, home school, college, etc. like YEARS before they are actually needed
• Do not give in when disciplining your children, just because it makes your life more difficult too
• You are the parent, so you get to decide, unilaterally if necessary
• Get a second opinion or research and consider all options before allowing any invasive procedure or accepting any pharmaceuticals
• Yep, when you cuss they cuss, and you can never take that sh*t back
• Take a stand on your children’s friend choices EARLY when they are negatively affected by them, even though it is HARD
• Teach your children important life skills, like how to sew a button on and hem a pair of pants, how to cook real food (and not just in the microwave), how to budget their money, and on and on…
• There are very capable alternative health care providers and practitioners (like chiropractors and naturopaths) who can care for your child for well checks and minor ailments
• And finally and most importantly… kids are watching and learning ALL. THE. TIME. so be the best model of what you desire for your children.

Being a mom is tough.

Finding someone who has negotiated the mommy path, who can impart their wisdom, and can show you the way to being a better parent can be a vital asset and a blessing.

But, you know what? 

Even though I did not have a ‘mommy mentor’, I found my way and my kids turned out just fine. I learned from my experiences as well as the other experiences of other moms and dads I knew. I researched the heck out of decisions involving my children. My own mother and mother-in-law provided valuable insights. And, I followed mommy blogs, like San Diego Moms Blog and Mamavation.

I tried, always, to be a better parent. And, I did okay!

So, what did I miss? 

What do you wish a MOMMY MENTOR had told you?

Share in the comments so our readers can benefit!

Tag your MOMMY MENTORS and share your appreciation for what have they taught you!