I was reminded today that parenting is an awesome job.  It never goes away, is full of perks and bonusses and not too often do great parents get fired.  It happens when kids go astray but if they had sound parenting they will come back with or without an

apology but certainly with a lot more incite then they had upon leaving.

Do we let the kids back in.

Good question but the answer is in our hearts and to mend the relationship with the child we always have to sacrifice a little pride.  They are when they return, even when they remain a lot the same as when they left.

All parents are awesome in their own right if they take the time to be parents.  For those of you too busy take time out and learn from your kids.  Messy room doesnt mean anything if the house burns down so chill out with the kids the mess will be there tomorrow and maybe by chilling with them they may even contribute to the cleaning the next day.

I often sit in my sons room(s) clean or messy, just to watch them play video games (World of Warcraft) and learn about some of it so we have conversations during the play.  You can even intersperse personal questions into the mix and they are more willing to answer while doing what they want to do.  My one son you can see the floor all around the room but the other one you have to pick a space in the mess but both them and their friends think it cool to have a mom interested in what they do and are interested in.  It makes talking to them a lot easier in a day that it is harder yet to have even one meal together.

I was told I was an awesome mom...........not just by my sons, but their friends and some of you here at Minti.  It is a great feeling.

Warning, commercials try to make moms out to be superheros who with the right gagets can do everything and anything.  Dont fall into that trap.

It is easier to say to older children that the commercial is wrong but the effect on younger preasionable children have given them the wrong idea about parenting.

We as parents whether with a partner or single could never accomplish near as much as the commercials indicate and I would like to meet the person making those commercials to find out if they have any kids or is it the nanny and housekeeper who make them look so great a parent as the commercial shows.

Be honest with your children no matter the age using examples they understand and show them that you are just as human as they are and being awesome means more than the commercial indicates.  You can not do everything around the house and make time for them too, so make the time for them as they are adults way too soon and no longer want their parents company as often.

I lucked out and my boys 19 and 21 like to "hang" with mom now and then, now that makes you an awesome parent, knowing they respect you and want to "just hang".

To all those parents who struggle with the chores and expectations of today

take a break for yourself

then take a break for each child

now take a break with your partner

then worry about the chores, they will be there and by asking for help you may be supprised after just "hanging" how much help you will receive.

Remember it is no good having all the chores done and the house a mansion if it were to burn down, but having a relationship with kids and partner goes on after the house burns down