5 Things I Learned When I Became a Mom of Two

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There’s so much to learn whenever you become a mom of two!

I reflect a lot on my motherhood experience. Some days I struggle and feel like I’m spiraling down a deep dark hole of mom burnout, while some days I feel like I’m totally thriving in motherhood. I think those two polar opposites of emotions help keep me in check though. Maybe I’m not the mom I wish I was, but I think I’m doing okay.

5 Things I Learned When I Became a Mom of Two

Here’s what I’ve learned over the years.

1. Never compare your children. Each child is so incredibly different, despite the fact that they live under the same roof and have the same parents. I found myself doing this at times right from the start and quickly realized how wrong that was. Each child will have their own personalities, quirks, ways of thinking and acting and we need to accept that and not compare them against one another.

2. You will have to learn to discipline them in completely different ways. This was something that I totally didn’t expect, but piggybacking on #1, just like siblings shouldn’t be compared, we also have to pay attention to their differences and use that as a tool for discipline. Branden on one hand needs to have privileges taken away in order to really get what he did wrong, while Blake needs to be completely removed from the situation and put into time out. I’m sure things will change as each one grows and matures, but we’re trying to pay as much attention to that as possible.

3. Let go of expectations. I’ve probably said this before, but I had this idea whenever I was pregnant with Branden that I would be a sports mom of some kind – signing up to deliver snacks and all. I was ready for it. I was excited for it. However, Branden has tried different sports over the years and none of them really stuck. I learned that while most of our society frowns upon too much tech in kid’s lives, this is where our Branden thrives and we’ve tried out nurture that drive he has instead of making him do something he has no interest in.

4. One on one time with each child is crucial. Kids crave attention in different ways and as much as family movie night is awesome, we’ve learned that one on one time with each of our kids in their own element is just as important.

5. I can’t do it all, so stop trying to. Sometimes you have to say no. Sometimes you will feel like a bad mom. Sometimes you don’t. Everyday is different and the load you have to carry each day is different. Ask for help. Stop putting so much pressure on yourself and do what you can. I promise that you are more of a super mom than you think.