I am a twin mom, a mom of multiples, a mom of many. I also have bipolar disorder and Anxiety issues. There are moments, that I know other moms share, when I want to scream and pull my hair out. But instead, I KISS myself.
When life is coming at me too hard, too fast, and too strong, and I feel that stress building I (try to) remind myself “Keep It Simple & Silly” (Adapted from the slogan “Keep It Simple, Stupid” I won’t speak stupidity over myself or my kids, regardless of the not-so-smart things we sometimes do). And instead of calling myself “Silly” I try to keep the situation from becoming too serious, because, let’s face it, in the scope of eternity, it probably is silly.
Here are a few easy mom things that can simplify your life and make things a little less hectic (I plan to write a future article with even more helpful tricks, but these relate to keeping things simple during potentially stressful moments.):
1. Invest some time in getting organized. Get in the habit of putting things back exactly where they belong or you’ll lose your head (along with your keys, cell phone, remote control, diaper bag, etc).
2. For moms with young kids, keep your main diaper bag in the car and only carry around a basics bag when you go places. (Mine has 2 diapers for each baby, a few wipes, 1 juice box per child, and maybe 1 small toy per babe that only comes out with that bag). Try to keep your basics bag small enough to fit in a bigger purse or small backpack so you only have to carry around one bag for everyone!
3. Have dinner figured out by 10 a.m. This will help you remember to thaw out anything that needs it and you’ll avoid any evening scrounge sessions.
4. When you feel like yelling, take a deep breath and whisper instead. It may take a few tries for your kids to catch on that when you whisper you mean business, but it’s a technique worth trying. You’d be surprised, even my husband knows I’m serious when I whisper.
5. Pick your battles. For example, little one wants to wear her butterfly wings to the store and refuses to put on her socks and shoes. Make a deal – let her keep the wings but insist on shoes. Some things just aren’t worth the fit.
6. Finally, KISS your precious little ones – Keep It Simple & Silly – enjoy the ride and don’t get too stressed. Focus on what’s right, not what’s going wrong. Sometimes that hard to do in the heat of the moment. But ask yourself this: ten years from now, will this really matter? The answer is probably “no.” What will matter is the relationship you have with your children and how they remember you growing up. You want their childhood experience as well as your parenting experience to be positive ones.
(Twins 2, Mica 8, Hope 7)
Double Talk Story: I was explaining how to play football when my phone fell. Mica laughs hysterically, “You dropped your cell phone while charging!” (play on words – I was literally charging)
Bible Verse: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21
Term that had Lost its meaning: date night
Relatable Lyrics: “Sing” by The Carpenters
Comments on: "KISS – Keep It Simple & Silly" (18)
🙂
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Wonderful advice that I see you live out!!! You never cease to amaze me!! ❤
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I have to admit, I don’t always practice what I preach in the way of having dinner decided. I try but sometimes, I scrambling – usually eggs, lol!
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This is great advice! 😊👍
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Thanks!
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woohoo this is SO great! such super advice from such a super mom!!! ❤
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Thanks, fellow super mom!
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Great advice! I need to try this whispering thing.
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Thanks! Whispering works best with the older ones who understand by now. I started with them when they were little using a low tone, serious voice; and they’d have to stop their own crying to hear me. Hope it works for you!
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While I am not a mom, let alone a mom of twins this does seem like great advice. You truly are a super Mommy!
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Thanks, Jeff! You may not be a mom, but you’re a super-uncle and you’ll be a super dad some day!
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What super-useful tips!
I lovelovelove #1, #4: The Whisper….ooooooh! I can’t wait to try that one and see their reactions. Since I’m a yeller they will be stunned! #5 also appeals to me greatly, but they are all fantastic. Thanks for writing this and I’ll let you know how The Whisper works out! XoXo
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#1 is super important for those of us who have bipolar disorder (esp. when we’re on the manic side and decide to rearrange everything! 😉 )
I hope your whispers will be heard loud and clear!
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I’ll let you you how it turns out! Heck, I’d love to secretly film it, LOL! 💞
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Again, I am not raising children, but I love, love, love what you share and how you share it…not only is your wisdom wonderful, but your writing radiates with a warmth, gentleness, humour and compassion that is heartwarming….thanks for loving and thanks for sharing 🙂
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Wow, thank you so much for your encouraging words! Thanks for reading even though the post doesn’t specifically apply to you 😉
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Love what you have written! Very positive 🙂 We twin moms have to keep positive to keep from falling over. 🙂
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Exactly!
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