Every parent faces challenging times when raising children, as children explore the world through testing boundaries and making messes. It is impossible to always remain calm during these situations. However, our job is to do our best and remember that children are learning. The added pressure to be the "best" parent can be overwhelming, but we must remember that what matters most is enjoying life and raising compassionate kids. Incorporating music, games, and decor from our own childhood into family life can help maintain enthusiasm and balance during parenthood.

1. Every parent knows those magical moments where we
feel truly blessed to have left our old lives behind, and
entered into the realm of parenthood. We cherish the
flowers our children give us, their kisses and I love
yous, and every other special moment that is beyond
words. But the mundane time in between, where our day
to lives seem dull and boring, that is something we all face
and must learn how to deal with in the be way possible.

2. I was just reading a blog about a mother's tough day. From
a child smearing Vick's vapour rub on their faces, to
dumping out oatmeal on the stairs and rubbing it into the
carpet...the list went on and on of messes and trials.
When a child hits toddlerhood, they venture out into
exploring what they can and cannot do, as well as testing
their parent's patience. It's impossible to always remain
calm and just accept the fact they gave the dog your shoes
to chew on. Our job is to just do the best we can during
hard times, realize they don't know the value of your
personal items and are also just exploring the world.

3. The added pressure in society is that we need to be the
'best' parent. Society itself is beyond disfunctional, so in
reality we have nothing to prove to it. Nonetheless, that
pressure is there, as is the notion our children need to
compete with peers in order to do well in life ( that is
exactly what the memorize test system in school is: a
method of measuring and competing). The key ( in my
opinion) to balancing sanity and parenthood is to be as
positive as possible, and creative. If you can retain a small
sense of yourself before you were a parenthood, and can
enter into the imaginary world of your child, it makes life
easier for everyone. Your house really doesn't need to be
spotless. The priority is to enjoy your life and help raise
healthy, compassionate kids.

4. Some tips that we use: listen to music you enjoyed as a
child, and incorporate games that you used to play into
your child's routine. You will have more enthusiasm
towards playing with your young one if you have
memories of the games being played. Decorate your house
in a way that is pleasing to you and inspirational. Don't
decorate it to match your neighbor's place. There are
many parents who have a lifestyle blog that can give you
some ideas with which to make your daily life as a parent
more vibrant.

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